Vacancy | Senior Merchandiser

Senior Merchandiser

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Merchandiser or aspiring Merchandising Manager to join us at a pivotal moment in our growth journey. You will play a central role in shaping our trading strategy, managing stock investment, driving profitability and building the merchandising capability required to support the next phase of growth.

This is a broad, hands-on role within a small team. You will be responsible for setting merchandising strategy while also delivering the day-to-day execution required to run the merchandising function. The role combines elements of Merchandising Manager, Senior Merchandiser and Merchandiser responsibilities and is ideal for an ambitious individual looking to make a significant commercial impact within a growing business.

You will work closely with the Trading, Production, Growth, Operations and Finance teams to ensure we have the right product, in the right place, at the right time and at the right margin.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Range & Inventory Planning

• Own and manage the WSSI to optimise stock investment, availability, profitability and OTB
• Set budgets, OTB and option plans at financial year, seasonal and category level
• Build and maintain seasonal range plans aligned to budgets, targets and business strategy
• Develop and manage category, option count and range architecture plans
• Monitor stock levels, cover, intake and rate of sale to proactively manage trading performance
• Identify and act on risks and opportunities to maximise sales, margin and stock turn
• Manage continuity and repeat line performance, replenishment and stock flow
• Drive inventory productivity, stock efficiency and cash management across the business

Trading & Performance

• Analyse weekly trading performance, providing clear, actionable commentary and recommendations
• Lead weekly trading meetings alongside the Head of Growth, presenting performance and proposed actions
• Own forecasting, reforecasting and scenario planning processes
• Drive markdown, promotional and clearance strategies to maximise sell-through, profitability and margin
• Partner with Design to ensure range architecture delivers commercial KPIs
• Lead critical path reviews and lessons learnt meetings, influencing future range and trading decisions
• Develop reporting, tools and ways of working to support business growth
• Provide detailed SKU, category and customer analysis to support commercial decision-making

Forecasting & Budgeting

• Produce accurate sales forecasts by category, channel and season
• Set and manage budgets for sales, margin, stock, intake and inventory investment
• Track actual performance against budget and reforecast regularly
• Identify risks and opportunities early and implement corrective actions
• Support cash flow planning through effective inventory management and intake control
• Partner with Finance to manage inventory investment, cash flow forecasting and budget delivery

Supplier & Supply Chain

• Work closely with suppliers and the supply chain team to ensure critical path adherence
• Manage intake phasing and delivery scheduling to align with trading requirements
• Identify supply chain risks and implement contingency plans
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve availability, lead times and stock performance

Operational Merchandising

• Manage intake amendments, delivery schedules and stock flow
• Support product launches and seasonal go-live activity
• Ensure reporting, planning tools and merchandising systems are maintained accurately
• Take ownership of day-to-day merchandising operations within a lean team environment

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Line manage, coach and develop the MAA
• Build the capability of the merchandising function as the business grows
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Growth, Operations and Finance
• Act as the senior merchandising representative within the business
• Provide regular trading updates, analysis and recommendations to senior stakeholders
• Influence strategic and commercial decisions through data-led insight
• Support the development of merchandising processes, governance and best practice across the business

 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven merchandising experience within a fashion, lifestyle or retail environment
• Strong experience operating at Senior Merchandiser level with ownership of WSSI, OTB and forecasting processes
• Excellent numerical, analytical and commercial skills
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large data sets
• Strong understanding of stock management, inventory planning and range architecture
• Proven ability to drive sales, margin, stock turn and profitability improvements
• Experience leading trading meetings and influencing stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience managing and developing junior team members
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and hands-on environment
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution

Desirable

• Previous experience in a small, founder-led or high-growth business
• Experience building or developing merchandising processes and reporting frameworks
• Exposure to international markets or multi-currency trading
• Experience within a direct-to-consumer fashion brand

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with opportunities for career growth at a high-paced company
• 33 Days Paid Holiday each year inclusive of:
  ○ 21 Days Flexible Holiday allowance
  ○ All Public Holidays
  ○ 3 Days between Christmas and New Year
  ○ Birthday off
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• Clothing discount

 

Inclusion Statement
We recognise the lack of diversity in the fashion industry, and we particularly encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian, ethnic minority and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds which are particularly underrepresented in our industry. We are an equal opportunities employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, neurodiversity status or disability status.

To apply, please send your CV and a brief note about your experience to katie@ifonlyif.co.uk . Deadline EOD Monday 15^th June.