Merchandiser - 12 Month FTC

At Dreams, we know your bed is the best place in the whole world. But for the hours between precious sleep, we`d like to make work a special place to be too. We`re the UK`s most loved bed retailer, so it`s important our people feel the love as well. There`s over 250 of us at our affectionally named `Bedquarters` in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, where every dreamer makes a difference.

We`re super passionate about our people-first culture, which means we like to keep things simple and celebrate every success, big or small! From a payday treats trolley to charity fundraisers and all-staff lunches, we know we do it best when we do it together.

And together we`ve been making bedtimes better since 1985, with no signs of hitting the snooze button. We`re owned by the world`s largest bedding provider, Tempur Sealy, and have our very own Bed Factory right here in the UK. You`ll even get a guided tour when you join - that`s part of our mission to get you fully bed-ucated during your induction.

With 208 stores nationwide, 6 central warehouses and 12 delivery centres, we sell 14,000 mattresses, bases and headboards every single week. Now that`s a lot of Zzzs.

So if you`re bonkers about bed, silly for siestas and keen on your kip, we think Dreams could be the perfect place for you.

Dreams. Love your job.

We`re looking for a new Merchandiser to join our Merchandising team based in Loudwater, Buckinghamshire on a 12 month FTC. In this role, you will be accountable for trading a product group to deliver against the commercial initiatives described under the `Buy Great Products` programme which in turn will support Dreams to become the Most Recommended and Profitable Bed Company. With the Buyer deliver a product strategy to maximise sales opportunities and net cash profit potential whilst minimising markdown spend & maximising working capital across retail, web, and telesales channels.

Ready to skip the snooze button and get stuck in? Here`s a taste of what you`ll be doing day-to-day...

-With the Buyer manage and execute the Dreams product strategy for a product group which will deliver against budgeted sales, margin, net profit and working capital targets.
-Future sales and range planning as well as communicating closely with suppliers in line with the trading plan.
-Manage and communicate a Weekly Sales & Stock Intake process to maximise effectiveness of Commercial team decision making.
-Develop and manage Open to Buy to ensure this meets budgeted stock and working capital targets.
-Manage terminal stock sell through and promotional markdown to protect profitability and delivery of margin targets.
-Provide a robust sales forecast / intake plan to Dreams Bed Factory / third party suppliers.
-Manage and develop a rolling 12-month trading calendar, price file management ensuring Dreams pricing decisions meets OFT regulatory commitments.
-Maximise DC / branch stock availability and develop initiatives to reduce customer order lead times.
-Review and analyse range plans to reflect changing trends, new product development and customer insight.
-Maintain integrity of range plans to support a logical range architecture through a one-in-one-out change process.
-Perform sales, profit and gap analysis to support buying decision making and optimal utilisation of space.
-Manage the critical path from product ordering to store delivery to ensure stock is delivered as planned.
-Develop key Supplier relationships and process to ensure support for the `available to promise` initiative.
-Provide accurate reporting on supplier performance and lead times, specifically OTIF
-Working with Supply Chain / Retail create a deliverable capacity plan and retail execution brief.
-New line, Item Card and Hierarchy set up and accuracy.
-Retail and Cost price file maintenance and accuracy

This is the type of person we`re dreaming of:

-Proven Merchandise experience gained in a fast-paced environment, ideally within Retail, FMCG or Hospitality
-Ability and confidence to build relationships across all levels of the business and ability to demonstrate effective influencing skills.
-Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office suite.
-Proven experience in financial modelling / Ability to analyse data efficiently and effectively.
-Ability to use data to adapt commercial plans and exploit opportunities to and/or mitigate risk.
-KPI / results driven.
-Commercially focused / high attention to detail

In your dream role, you`ll also receive:

- Bonus: Our discretionary annual bonus scheme recognises the hard work and dedication of our superstar dreamers.
- Discounts: Amazing staff discount on Dreams products, plus hundreds of brands including restaurants, holidays, and shopping.
- Buy-in schemes: You`ll have the opportunity to buy extra holiday, private healthcare, or savings and loans.
- Parking: We know it goes without saying, but our free onsite parking gives you peace of mind when you travel.
- Wellbeing: We partner with the Retail Trust to offer a 24-hour helpline with a variety of support services, as well as hosting an on-site gym and out of hours GP service.
- Hybrid working: Whether you`re an early bird or night owl, we trust you to work your hours responsibly to suit you!