Summary of the Role’s Main Purpose
To support the Merchandiser in the trading and planning of the department and in the execution of all Merchandising team activities. To manage stock flow in line with departmental plan to maximise sales through multi channel retailing.
Principle Accountabilities
- Prepare relevant analysis as required by the Junior Merchandiser/Merchandiser
- Assist the merchandiser in implementing all aspects of the department strategy to deliver sales and profit targets
- Understanding and use of the WSSI in the management of intake and the stock position
- Responsible for maintaining accurate records of commitment and in order to provide stock intake and output forecasts
- Identify and action markdown requirements for the department with guidance from the Merchandiser
- Implement and manage stock levels on promotions, ensuring stock is moved through the network and managed once in store with the assistance of the Merchandising Assistant to maximise sales and profit during the cycle
- Where appropriate to co-ordinate & supervise the Merchandising Assistant to ensure that the replenishment system is used effectively to maintain stock levels by line, SKU and by store to optimise availability and sales
- Monitor and update item line flows/line cards and recommend actions to Merchandiser to maximise sales opportunity and minimise risk.
- Assist Merchandiser with managing departmental supply base ensuring on time delivery
- Work closely with buying and technology to plan and manage regular progress meetings, both internally and also with external suppliers, to ensure adherence to the agreed critical path in terms of both new season launch and any further buys
- Oversee timely delivery of stock into the warehouse, to maximise availability in line with agreed KPI’s and timelines
- Responsible for order authorisation in line with agreed parameters.
- Coach, manage and develop the Merchandising Assistant
- Conduct regular store visits to develop a commercial awareness of Sainsbury’s product ranges, stores and competitors
- Own and manage a subcat from budgeting to planning and participating in the selection process
Measures of Success
- Departmental sales, markdown and profit targets achieved
- Stock levels appropriate to season and trading environment
- Accurate forecasting of intake and output
- On-time launch position achieved
- Appropriate analysis available to the Merchandiser in line with the Buying & Merchandising Calendar
Resources available to the Job-holder
- Merchandise Planning System, Retek, RDW, CrystalReporting, Excel
- Systems support and relevant training
- Guidance and support from the line manager
- Opportunity to attend trading meetings where relevant
Level of Decision-making Authority
- Input on departmental processes and team meetings
- Follow through of tasks and resolution to issues
Core Areas of Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Computer literate
- Previous merchandising experience
- Systems knowledge especially Excel and MS office.
- Analytical and numerical skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of business principles and core values
Living the values
- Seeks to drive out inefficiencies
- Suggests ideas to improve our way of doing things
- Ensures that customers are at the heart of all decisions taken
- Takes accountability where needed to ensure that our own and team targets are met
- Ensures that reports are accurate and timely and enables others to make decisions easily
- Treats self and others with professional respect at all times
£Competitive + Benefits
