We are looking for a Assistant Merchandiser (Jewellery & Hair Accessories) to join Team OB in our Support Office.
As an Assistant Merchandiser at OB you will provide support and leading by example to the MAAs, you will be part of the dynamic Merchandising team. You will support and assist them in providing sales analysis and administrative support in addition to your accurate stock allocation and supply chain co-ordination.
This role will support the Merchandiser by providing accurate data as well as assisting in planning and trading of the account to maximise sales, reducing markdown spend and increasing profitability.
Our Support Office is based in Tolworth, near Chessington, only a 30-minute journey from London Waterloo. We offer hybrid working with a split of 3 days in the office and 2 days home working per week, and are open to having conversations about working flexibly.
More about the role
An OB Assistant Merchandiser will:
Set up years WSSI, update and reforecast the WSSI on a weekly basis with input from the merchandiser
Manage projections and repeat line buys through weekly trade meetings and propose ways to minimise risk for the department
Make frequent suggestions for improved forecasting
Work with the Merchandiser and Buying team to integrate lessons learnt from the previous season into new department strategies
Assist in constructing the optimum range for the target market by balancing price architecture and category
Create data packs and present in trade & sign off meetings
Develop a knowledge of branch profiling and consider external factors when planning the range
Plan intake to deliver new options as appropriate to keep newness flowing through the business considering space layout requirements.
Assist in the planning of the overall intake/ stock levels to minimise stockholding but maximise sales opportunities
Using the WSSI to inform trade and stock management decisions through weekly updates of stock levels, sales, intake and monthly reforecasts.
Through weekly trade meeting with Buying Teams, identify best-sellers and look to trade where necessary
Makes decisions regarding risks and opportunities on a daily basis and puts forward proposals for significant changes to Merchandiser
Identify lines for markdown and mark-up activity as well as forecast markdown spend and evaluate profit implications of markdown activity
Assist in planning promotions when necessary in order to manage stock cover
Reviews and updates Store grading on a regular basis
Help to set up new Stores ensuring the Store has the right stock package
Produce accurate analytical reports for Store/SO teams on a weekly/monthly basis
Monitors critical path dates and maintains an accurate delivery schedule liaising with the buying team, merchandiser and logistics team.
Make suggestions on phasing of launch, grading & peak intake.
Build strong supplier relationships & understands the implications of late deliveries and manages accordingly.
Manage stock into the Warehouse and the distribution of stock to stores constantly reviewing best process practice and make suggestions for improvement to Merchandiser
Responsible for the production of an OTB monitor as appropriate and management of stock levels and commitment at all times
Bonas Benefits:
Generous employee discount up to 50% off all OB products
Free access to our 24 hour employee assistance programme with Care First offering financial, emotional and vocational support
Flexible holiday 30 days (including bank holidays) increasing to 35 days with length of service
Annual discretionary profit related bonus scheme
Free membership for our Westfield Health Cash Plan
Free access to our onsite gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
What we look for:
Previous Merchandising experience is essential
Previous retail experience and genuine interest in the industry
IT Literate with Intermediate / Advanced Microsoft Office skills Word / Excel and Powerpoint
Excellent analytical and numerical skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Team player and have collaborative approach
Motivated and able to work well to tight deadlines
Initiative, decisiveness and effective problem-solving skills
Proactive forward thinker
TPBN1_UKTJ