Merchandizer

Long Description

Job Summary

Retail is a fast paced, dynamic and often pressurized environment, so attention to detail and the ability to manage large workloads. You will be supporting internal Safat Home and Alghanim Industries departments and suppliers by responding accurately and promptly to product related queries. Communicating with showrooms on a regular basis and gathering information on the market and competition.

Job Purpose 
•Hands on role instrumental in meeting strategic retail objectives
•To deliver a comprehensive, profitable and customer focused product range to the business.
 

Job Responsibilities

•Work with Buyers to create the category plan in line with Safat Home Strategy:
•Sales, Total Stocks, Intakes, Commitment, Customer Availability, Pricing ,Mark down, GM, Option Count, OTB*, P&L
•Managing the department critical path, launch and exit dates in line with the integrated marketing calendar and driving speed to market
•Work with Buyers to determine the products offered in each season. Supporting the range framework.
•Management of stock throughout the supply chain to meet sales, launch targets and customer availability in a cost effective way
•Provide a daily/weekly/monthly view of stock & sales performance results, analysing commercial information and inputting to forward strategy
•Review the sales performance against operating plan at category and range level to identify risks & opportunities
•Plan, optimise and review store space by the appropriate store size, ranging, customer profile and number of SKUs & planogramming where applicable
•Plan & fulfill  requirements to maximise trading opportunities across all channels)
•Deliver best way of working providing standardised reports and consistency across all categories
•Fully utilise the relevant IT/POS systems to deliver linked sale/new promotions
•Analysis on ROI on previous events/promotions
•Reviewing in store cross selling & re merchandising accordingly
•Set store stock targets, manage daily STS to stores, initial allocations, adjustment of min/max levels, safety stocks, bulk sale stock allocation
•Put process & policy in place for managing VM stocks and monitor in season
•Work closely with operations team to monitor & minimise stock write off in season
•Responsible for campaign/flyer stocks and final sign off of stocks for promotional flyers
•Store contact for stock and pricing issues
•Responsible for the Markdown Lists, Ministry list, Store Promotional Sales Pack, Pricing list, POS requirements for SALE and in season promotions
•Manage master product price file to ensure all product prices and promotions are live on the system at the correct time
•Manage monthly stock ageing reports and plan action to be taken to improve sales or develop an exit plan
•Manage the risk of cost of mark downs and ensure it is minimised to ensure profitability
•Manage core reorders in line with range/forecast plan
•General housekeeping of stock file
•Purchase order evaluation/ rate of sale for new and reorders
•Demonstrate awareness of market trends and utilise this knowledge in range building/cataloguing
•Identify in season opportunities and work with the buyers/planning to use the open to buy process to deliver additional sales
•Monitor and assess competitor promotional activity and take action where appropriate to reduce impact
•Take ownership of Open to Buy and stock targets and be accountable for sign off with planning team
•Work closely with the buyers to prepare seasonal intake/forecast plans to manage capacity/stocks with supply base
•Prepare post seasonal analysis at category/range/line level and prepare SWOT analysis based on findings
•Support Buyer in review of supplier KPIs
•Redistribute stock between stores where necessary
•Manage end of lines/oddments/last pieces out of warehouse and sold through in store 
•Track performance of new lines/launches

Candidate Requirements

Person Specification (skills, knowledge and experience required)
•Commercially focused style with an understanding of business issues, confidence to work in a fast paced results-driven, task focussed environment.
•A lively strong personality which gets things done in a participative manner.
•Well organised and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•Excellent written and verbal communicator (English)
•A down to earth enthusiast, with gravitas, the ability to build relationships and motivate through personal example, delivering results with persistence and diplomacy.
•Ability to use business provided tools reports and interpret data to make recommendations to deliver business objectives.

Essential Personal Capabilities: 
•Releasing Potential, Setting Direction, Seizing Opportunity Delighting Customers, Working Together 
•Strong organisation and planning skills including ability to manage a variety of conflicting demands in a pressurised environment
•Tenacity and resilience are essential
•Commercially astute with ability to demonstrate high business impact 
•Receptive to change and ability to adapt quickly to changing demands
•Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Relevant Experience: 
•Min 3 years retail experience, preferably within a Home Furnishings sector, previous role in merchandising essential.
•Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
•Experience with Business Objects/SAP is an advantage.
•Team player and results orientated
•Previous experience on branded home stores.
•International experience preferred, willing to relocate.
    
Key Skills
•Preferably educated to degree level or equivalent in a Business related discipline 
•Product development or product marketing experience
•Excellent understanding of retail principles and issues, including daily sales versus forecasts and seasonal planning  
•Customer focused
•Excellent negotiation skills
•Strong project management skills, people focused.
•Passion for product!!
•Understanding of fashion / interim design trends and lifestyle
•Quality focused
•Ability to set and maintain deadlines 
•Excellent attention to detail
•Experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, SAP is essential 

Education