Merchandiser

This role is based at our Street Somerset head office located at 40 High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0EQ.  Candidates must be able to be present in the office 4 days a week for this role.

What You’ll Be Doing

It's a big job, but an incredible exciting, varied and challenging one. You’ll be responsible for merchandising in our Retailing division for UK & ROI. Day to day you’ll be analysing and evaluating commercial data including sales and margin, identifying trends and proposing changes to future ranges to ensure the right shoes appear in the right places at the right times. Working closely with the Supply Chain, Product and Sales Teams within this remit, you will have the opportunity to build a variety of relationships across the region and wider business.

What You’ll Bring

So, what do you need to bring? You will have previous Merchandiser or proven Assistant Merchandiser experience in either a retail, wholesale or online business, to enable you to understand how the merchandising function works within a head office environment.

With a keen eye for detail, you will have excellent analytical & forecasting skills, a flair for commercial acumen and an unwavering customer focus. You’re adaptable, approachable, not to mention quick to pick things up and understand how we work. Working for a global business you’ll want to build relationships across various markets and levels of stakeholder. Like everyone here at Clarks, you’re dedicated and driven, committed to be the best you can be.

Summary:

The role of the merchandiser is responsible for the planning and delivery of sales and gross margin targets for a specified channel / product category. Range assortment and architecture is planned and executed to maximise sales, stock and margin delivery in line with regional budgets. Deep merchandise analysis and insight is used to identify product, channel or account sales trends to maximise profitability for their given product category.

Core Accountabilities:

• Command a good understanding of the retail marketplace by channel, competitors & growth opportunities / areas of risk for the relevant channel / product category.
• Key Merchandise Metrics including Gross Margin and Inventory targets are delivered against set KPI’s.
• A Clearly defined and forecasted category product range hierarchy developed in line with price, end use, product attribute, size / fit and purchase.
• Support the development of range, assortment & purchase plans for the specified product area with support from the assistant merchandiser.
• Complete and maintain the merchandise plan to plan sales/despatches, stock, markdown & gross margin across retailing channels in line with gender targets both at season & week levels.                
• Ensure stock is optimised against set inventory targets.
• Analyse stock and sales information to inform effective trading decisions including in-season pricing and markdown activity to drive commercial performance against set clearance / margin targets.
• Accountable for the maintenance of accurate merchandise master data
  Build effective relationships amongst key stakeholders within the trading function to drive best practice

Key Outputs/Results:

• A deep market understanding of trends and opportunities which are clearly articulated and understood with all forecasts utilising all available market intelligence in the seasonal merchandise plans for the given product category
• Gross Margin and Inventory Targets along with any other key merchandise KPI’s are delivered in line with set targets.
• Clear range architecture across price, product attribute, end use, size & fit that uses appropriate insight to drive future seasonal product planning opportunities.
• Accurate and commercial range, assortment, distribution and purchase plans for given product category
• Merchandise plans are developed and maintained in line with delivery of the sales/despatches, stock and margin plans for the region.
• Stock is optimised across channels to ensure gross margin is maximised, stocks are planned and maintained in line with sales and inventory targets.
• Timely promotions, markdowns & mark ups including any other pricing activity are executed to deliver regional sales & margin plans with accurate reporting and insight clearly communicated to relevant people.
• Merchandise master data time phasing and sizing is accurate and up to date reflecting consumer demand.
  Strong relationships with partners exist and are used effectively in influencing decision making

Qualifications

• Educated to Degree Level 
• Experienced Assistant Merchandiser
• Experienced Assistant Buyer
• Knowledge of the full end to end value chain
• Understanding of consumer behaviours and market trends
• Multi-channel knowledge

Technical Skills:

• Excellent Forecasting knowledge
• Excellent Excel skills
• Excellent Communication skills
• Excellent Presentation Skills

Successful Experience:

• Previous Assistant Merchandiser / Junior Merchandiser
• Management Experience
• Trading Experience

About Clarks

Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. Sparking revolutions and defining generations, Clarks’ archive of over 22,000 pairs includes the inimitable Desert Boot and Wallabee – and a ground-breaking combination of invention and craftsmanship remains at the heart of what the brand does now. Cutting-edge collaborations with cultural icons and KOLs, taking strides in social change, reimagining legendary silhouettes, and making shoes that move with the world ahead – Clarks is never standing still.