Merchandiser

VACANCY: Merchandiser

LOCATION: Rochdale

SALARY: Up to £30,000

Kingdom People are working exclusively with our client based in Rochdale who now requires an experienced Merchandiser to join the team due to continued growth. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to elevate their career to the next level and work with a thriving team / organisation. This role requires someone with strong knowledge of critical path, planning and forecasting.

Continuity Forecasting

• Accurate forecasting of stock, no less frequently than fortnightly within the designated product range based on trend/sales analysis - note customer does not provide forecasts, the merchandisers forecast bi-weekly using their own knowledge and analysis
• Monitoring of customer till sales, amendments to forecast estimates as and when required; regular monitoring of low selling lines to identify if they need to be discontinued.
• Ensure data held in forecasting system is up to date and accurate.
• Target customer service levels to be met and recovery plans implemented where required i.e improvements through sea freight and if AF needed, and authorised by merch manager
• Maximise on opportunities/turnover through driving additional volume into stores at key event periods and clearing overstocks where possible working towards target KPI on turnover.
• Where applicable manage essential fabric holdings at the suppliers to ensure lead times are maintained which is critical to service and must be treated as a priority.
• Planning ahead up to 6 months in advance when looking at fabric and requirements, ensure any planned increases are discussed with the customer ahead of lead time, particular around peak/sale
• Full discontinued strategy done twice yearly for a full review of design/colour performance and give focus to possible drop lines ahead of the sign off for new season to ensure we are being proactive reducing losses where possible

New Launch

• Agreeing new launch estimates twice yearly with the Merchandise manager, and the customer. Placing orders for the season accordingly
• Review of estimates for new season 16 weeks prior to launch to ensure still agreed considering sales trends from that period/any new information known.
• When reviewing orders for new launch, manage buffer stocks to ensure if overperformed by +40% from launch, there would be able to service for a minimum of 8 weeks.
• Attend weekly critical path meetings with the technical team to ensure sealing is on track, and shipment requested for initial orders can be achieved. Ensure the customer are kept updated at all times of any movements to the critical path through the NR/AR report
• Liaising with the logistics team to aid with the planning of intake/ distribution of newness. Take ownership of the reports submitted to ops to ensure correct for all areas
• Full website review of our products 4 weeks following launch to ensure all lines are live and on sale correctly and review any competition which could potentially split sales

Supplier/Customer Management

• Place orders with suppliers in a timely manner, adhering to lead times given, to ensure that customer delivery requirements are met. Orders placed by either sea or air freight depending on delivery time scales.
• Regular communication with the supply base including on site/ teams meetings where required to maintain expected levels of service.
• Management of the suppliers to ensure that all deliveries arrive at the specified time, being fully aware of any delays or stock shortages. Liaise with customer as and when required.
• Complete monthly forward estimates for the suppliers production and managing fabric, fabric planning is critical to service and lead times and must be managed with suppliers as a priority.
• Carry out bi-weekly (minimum) calls with Customers Merchandise team to discuss service, and AOB. Offsite meetings may be required occasionally. Ensure full notes are taken during meetings where required.
• Keep up to date with all customer reports, including stock availability reports, new launch at risk report, service predictor and ad hoc reports as required

Reporting/KPI's

• Complete bi-weekly category review KPI's and performance and if support is required, arrange working session with Merch Manager for them to support where they can. Stock holding/ turn, Turnover, EOS losses, AF spend, Forecast Accuracy.
• Management of category/departmental reports i.e fabric reports, allocation value reports, stock visibility reports, high/low demand to forecast, forecast accuracy report.
• Support team with knowledge and guidance on KPI's to ensure these are being monitored regularly

Competencies required.

• Proven strong analytical and numerical skills
• Advanced excel skills, ability to manipulate data and build reports.
• Knowledge of forecasting systems SAP / AGR or equivalent
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment to quickly identify opportunities , problems and recommend solutions.
• Established decision making skills with the ability to plan and prioritise workload accordingly.
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain supplier and customer relationships with professionalism.

Pre-requisites

• At least 3+ years in a similar position with a proven track record.
• Experience working with overseas factories (far East)
• Home textiles background preferred.
• Not vital, but beneficial to have been a supplier to retail.
• Must be able to work as part of a team.
• Customer service & availability driven
• Line level weekly forecasting based on sales data experience is a must, not seasonal buys.