Senior Merchandising Manager

(Ref AJ45636)

A well-known Japanese culture hub based in London is currently looking for full-time Senior Merchandising Manager to join their team. The role will be 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday with the potential for hybrid working conditions. The purpose of the role is to develop and execute a comprehensive merchandising strategy, ensuring on-brand and profitable product ranges are developed, aligned with business goals, revenue and profit targets.

*Fixed term up until end March 2029 (with strong possibility of renewal!)

TYPE: Fixed term until March 2029 *Possibility to extend the contract
WORKING HOURS: Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day
SALARY: £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
START: ASAP
LOCATION: London, Hybrid work

Senior Merchandising Manager Key Responsibilities:

Merchandising Strategy

• Develop and implement the merchandising strategy to optimise the product ranges in store and online to ensure revenue and profit targets are achieved
• Analyse market trends, customer insight and sales data to make informed decisions on product selection, pricing, and inventory management
• Develop and manage merchandising budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources to drive sales and meet financial targets
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules to maintain optimal inventory levels and put in place commercial agreements and monitor vendor performance and manage vendor contracts and agreements
• Analyse product performance and advise on product presentation, display layout and visual merchandising to help maximise revenue targets and customer experience
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to stay ahead in the market and identify new opportunities for growth
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, and retail sales, to align merchandising strategies with overall business objectives

Finance, Procurement and Product Management

• Optimise the supply chain to ensure that Gross Margin is maximised
• Develop and implement inventory control strategies to maintain optimal stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and minimise out of stock
• Set OTB strategy in conjunction with annual forecast targets and and ensure we have the right stock in the right place at the right time to deliver sales and satisfy customer demand
• Set pricing strategies, adjust pricing, monitor stock levels and turnover rates and manage markdown to maximise profitability
• Create and manage budgets for buying and merchandising activities, tracking and reporting on financial performance
• Develop and implement merchandising management reports tracking departmental performance and reporting on variances and using data to make informed decisions
• Liaise as required with auditors and provide input to annual stocktake
• Prepare open to buy budgets, schedules, and other operational reports for submission to the board

Management

• Manage and lead the Merchandising & Buying Team
• Provide guidance and direction to the Merchandising & Buying Team, fostering a collaborative, innovative and performance-driven work environment based on company values
• As appropriate, support company initiatives, cross-functional projects, and organisational development activities
• Work closely with contracted vendors and suppliers to ensure that product is both authentic and aligns to the overall mission of the company and delivers against margin and revenue targets

Risk Management

• Ensure all product fulfils all legal health and safety guidelines

Senior Merchandising Manager Ideal Candidate:

• Over 5 years experience at senior level in merchandising and buying in high end retail sector
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent financial analysis capability and planning skills
• Excellent business acumen, with strong fact-based decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
• Collaborative approach to building relationships across teams and with suppliers and stakeholders
• Proficiency in using merchandising software and data analysis tools
• Experience with ERP systems, logistics and distribution
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with an ability to work independently
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and leverage insights to drive business growth.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with a keen eye for product assortment and trends.
• Willingness to continuously improve, develop, and understand industry best practices

All applicants for Senior Merchandising Manager must have the right to work in the UK as the Company is not able to offer visa support.