Job Specification – Merchandiser

Reports to:

Reporting to the Divisional Merchandising Director / Manager.

Role Purpose

Creation of the Departmental strategy and implementation of the Divisional strategy by delivering a product offer that exceed customers’ expectations and achieves sales and profit targets through effective supply chain management.

Key Accountabilities

1) Profit Maximisation Assist in the preparation of budgets, sales and profit targets Monitor performance against plan, taking appropriate action to maximise sales and profit and reduce stockholding

whilst increasing stock turn Identify new business opportunities to grow sales and profitability Deliver cost effective supply solutions and achieve maximum full price sales and planned margin Review, propose and implement mark-down activity to reduce terminal stock whilst analysing action taken on mark-

downs to maximise profit Drive increase in margin through new sourcing strategies and methods to build profit Communicate trading issues and forecasts with proposed actions to senior management and Buyer

2) Range Building and Planning Develop and agree plans in partnership with the Buyer that achieve sales and profit targets and implement the agreed

departmental strategy In conjunction with the Buyer, agree a framework with Divisional Management within which a balanced, commercial

and profitable range is built Evaluate market and customer information together with historical data and forward trends to develop the

department’s phased plans Present the range for review achieving senior management agreement Create a range plan to optimise the allocated space and maximise sales and profit density Manage product trialing activity with the Buyer Continuously monitor market activity, through regular competitor shop visits, gathering market intelligence from a wide

variety of sources and Bhs store visits, in order to take appropriate commercial action Establish critical path for development and delivery of all product ranges Agree and deliver promotional and marketing plans, optimising sales and profit

3) Inventory/Commitment Management Manage the intake of stock in line with agreed stock levels Plan availability schedule for new and continuity product Exploit use of ratio packs, identifying methods of replenishment which are more cost effective Plan initial allocation of product by grade, including presentation stocks Manage the development of new stock packages Quantification of 'Open to buy' with phased commitment to increase flexibility throughout the season Ensuring commitment is managed in line with Divisional needs Monitor and manage the availability of stock:

o by ensuring planned launch and replenishment dates are met and sales and stock are potentialised through production planning

o managing the allocation of stock from supplierso managing in-store stock levels to optimise distributiono managing terminal stock

Manage stock flow through Distribution Centre, resolving any issues that arise Manage the set up of presentation stock

4) Supplier Management Identify and regularly review potential suppliers and negotiate commercially viable contracts Build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers Analyse Suppliers’ delivery performance and, in conjunction with the Buyer, take appropriate actions Contribute to future supplier strategies Measure products’ performance against agreed quality standards and take necessary action with suppliers Negotiate and manage the recovery of supplier contribution

5) Team Management In conjunction with Human Resources ensure the selection of high calibre individuals Ensure compliance with Bhs Human Resources Policies and Procedures including the Equal Opportunities Policy Manage the performance of the team, setting objectives, giving regular feedback and addressing poor performance Provide training and development to staff, managing and promoting the Buying and Merchandising Development

Programme and coaching staff in core technical and managerial skills Ensure effective communication at all levels, to include communicating the Company/Divisional/Departmental strategy

in addition to operational priorities Encourage an environment of open communication within the team and the building of effective cross functional

relationships.

6) Health & Safety Monitor and maintain compliance at all time with health and safety requirements

Any other duties

To participate in projects and working parties, or to carry out any other duties that may be outside the standard remit, that will benefit the individual, the Division or the Company as a whole.

Gather relevant market, competitor and customer information in order to support personal development.

Person Specification

Skills & Abilities Legislation (to include legislation related to pricing, trading standards, contracts, health and safety, employment

legislation) System skills (to include Retek Merchandising System, MIS, Ranger, Retek Data Warehouse, Microsoft Office

including Outlook) Critical path management Sales Analysis and Forecasting Project management

Character & Personal qualities

Qualifications & experience