Merchandising Manager

Job description

Job Type

Buying & Merchandising Product Supply

Location

London - Pimlico

Partnership Level

5

Closing Date

25/09/2024

Vacancy Type

Permanent

Salary

£65,000.00 - £98,000.00 Annual

Salary Frequency

Annual

Hours of Work

35 - Monday - Friday 09:00-17:30

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We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where it is possible to do so. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

Our Purpose

Working in Partnership for a happier world – our shared Purpose that guides us in everything we do and inspires 3 important principles; happier people, happier business, happier world. The John Lewis Partnership is a truly unique business, one that seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone.

At a glance

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This is a hybrid working role. The Merchandising team aim for a minimum of 2 days a week in the office to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings but again, are flexible on this. The role is based at our London Central Offices.

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The salary range for this role is set at £65,000.00 - £98,000.00

· 
These positions are permanent.

About the role

The John Lewis & Partners Commercial team is expanding its Merchandising function, with 4 Merchandising Manager opportunities across Home and Fashion categories. Join us and be part of our dynamic team! 

As Merchandising Manager at the John Lewis Partnership, your role is pivotal to leading Merchandising within your Category. Along with the Buying Manager, you are responsible for translating the Directorate strategy into an effective Category strategy.

This role is critical in driving customer-centric commercial outcomes whilst driving operational efficiency. You are accountable for profit and cashflow through sales, margin and demand plans for your category and working across connected stakeholders to ensure these are robust and deliver against strategy.

In this role, you will be accountable for actively managing an element of the assortment within the overall category you are responsible for, as determined by the needs of the category. You will work closely with the Commercial Planning team to provide commercial rigour in planning and forecasting to maximise profitability and customer satisfaction through driving availability and optimising working capital.

You’ll lead the Merchandising team within your category and be expected to be a role model across the function.  Be a champion of change by embracing new Merchandising tools, processes and systems. As well as leading & energising the team and creating the conditions for all Partners to thrive, making their best contribution to achieve their potential. You’ll leverage your accountabilities and essential skills to drive category performance, and contribute to the overall success of John Lewis Partnership.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Direction and Thought Leadership: Develop and deliver the strategic direction of the category, focusing on ranging, availability, and stock management to meet the needs of the target customer.

Trading Management: Lead the BTA (Balance to Achieve) process, re-forecasting, and prioritisation of opportunities or new priorities to budget, maintaining alignment with strategic objectives.

Sourcing Planning and Collaboration: Collaborate with Sourcing to develop a comprehensive sourcing plan, ensuring timely and efficient supply of stock while considering pace, cost, reliability, and freight options.

Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration: Drive strategic initiatives across the directorate, collaborating with Heads of Merchandising to align with broader business objectives and drive category growth.

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and inspire the merchandising team, creating an environment for all Partners to thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their potential.

Financial Planning and Decision-Making: Communicate financial planning to the Commercial Planning team, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and strategic objectives.

Assortment and Promotional Strategy: Lead the recommendation for assortment review of products, collaborating with Buyers and other Merchandising L5s to define the overall range planning, brand mix, and promotional strategies.

Essential skills you’ll need 

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Proven experience in merchandising roles within the retail sector, and demonstrated expertise in merchandising practices, including assortment planning, inventory management, and pricing strategies.

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Experience working across at least two category areas within the retail sector, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in different product segments and knowledge of diverse product ranges and market dynamics to effectively manage various categories.

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Proficiency in data analysis, numerical reasoning, and financial analysis to interpret sales data, forecast demand, and make informed merchandising decisions. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar analytical tools and ability to present complex data and insights in a clear and concise manner to stakeholders at all levels.

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Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate merchandising strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

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Demonstrated track record of success in driving commercial outcomes, including sales growth, margin improvement, and inventory optimization, through effective merchandising strategies and initiatives.

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Comprehensive understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and logistics processes to ensure efficient product flow, timely deliveries, and optimal inventory levels and familiarity with retail systems and software for inventory management and forecasting.

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Willingness to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in retail merchandising and commitment to continuous learning and professional development to enhance skills and expertise in the field.

Desirable skills you could bring

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Exposure to working within matrix leadership structures, collaborating across multiple teams and functions to achieve common objectives.

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Ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics and leverage diverse perspectives to drive results.

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Proficiency in utilising data analysis tools and techniques to derive actionable insights and inform strategic decision-making and experience in forecasting demand, sales trends, and market dynamics to anticipate future opportunities and risks.

Benefits of the Partnership and the role

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- Hybrid Working. 

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️ - Full - time working holiday entitlement 25 days holiday, plus public and bank holidays (this is prorated for part time hours).

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⚖ - Excellent work life balance, including focus on well being and flexible working and our marketing leading equal parenthood leave Policy

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- Defined Contribution pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay) and, after three years’ service, you’ll receive an additional Partnership contribution of 4% of pay, regardless of whether you pay in or not

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- You’ll get Partnership discount in store and online once you complete your Earning Membership period. That’s 25% off in John Lewis (12% off electrical products, some exclusions apply) and 20% in Waitrose (some exclusions apply) You’ll also be able to nominate someone you live with to share your discount.

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-  Simple cycle to work support scheme

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- We’re really proud of our exclusive hotels based in some of Britain’s most beautiful areas and once you’ve been with us for three months, you’re welcome to explore them

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- Health Care cover 

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- Car allowance  

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-  Learn more about our extensive range of exciting benefits that you could enjoy when you join us, visit - ttps://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/

Next Steps 

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The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions. Please ensure you refresh the page each time you complete a task to ensure you complete everything that you need to in time. (If internal, check your Workday notifications and see further guidance on the PDW under "Internal application process").

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Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a 1 stage virtual interview w/c 30th September onwards. 

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You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you. 

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Thanks for your patience in the meantime and for showing an interest in joining the John Lewis Partnership. 

If you are an internal candidate, you can view a copy of the full job outline here:  Merchandising Manager

For internal use only: 

 

At the John Lewis Partnership, we embrace our differences. We want you to be you. Because, well, we know you're at your best when you're free to be yourself. Being a truly inclusive employer to us means creating an environment which celebrates your contribution, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion or belief. It's why we've set our own aim to become the UK’s most inclusive business - for our Partners (employees) and our customers. We firmly believe that our future success lies in diversity of thought from all Partners and it's integral in our mission to build a happier world. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us. And, once you're a Partner, your differences will make all the difference. Find out more about D&I in the Partnership here - https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/diversityandinclusion/