The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realising the commercial opportunities created by our unique product across all the channels. This is achieved through developing and implementing the multichannel planning and trading strategy for a multiproduct department. The Merchandiser directly impacts the product offer by channel to fulfil all customer requirements and deliver the department strategy, sales and profit plans.
Department: Womenswear
Location: Head Office, Chelsea House
Key Accountabilities
- Develop the department and category strategy for a multiproduct area
- Grow sales and profit through successful planning and trading across all channels
- Formulate opportunities to drive the business using analysis of current and past performance alongside market data
- Create a forward strategy with the Buyer to deliver company brand briefs and operating plans
- Propose adjustments to immediate and long‑term financial plans, OTB and on‑order to optimise margin and sales, driving trading performance by channel
- Deliver an option framework to ensure a balanced range by channel
- Control stocks within planned levels and work within agreed markdown targets
- Account for commitment review by size, maximising sales through availability
- Plan sourcing strategies that reduce costs and grow margin, incorporating sustainable practices in sourcing and production
- Manage the department critical path with the buyer to ensure timely delivery of product
- Plan and deliver the distribution strategy of stock to all channels
- Identify wholesale opportunities and pursue performance gains
- Use all available sources, including regular store visits, industry news, sales and margin history, and reference shops, to identify risks and opportunities and propose actions
- Build cross‑divisional working relationships and external networks to develop a broad perspective and identify future opportunities
- Challenge company working practices where appropriate to improve ways of working
- Alongside the Buyer, propose initiatives and act on opportunities to drive sales and margin, including new product trial strategies
- Grow talent within the merchandising team and identify readiness for the next role, providing learning, coaching and mentoring
- Manage the team effectively, setting direction and objectives, ensuring alignment, and driving high performance with timely feedback and development opportunities
Key Experience Required
- Previous experience as a Merchandiser or established Junior Merchandiser
- Experience in an omni‑channel business highly desirable
- Proven track record of delivering and exceeding sales and margin targets
- Proven track record of identifying and delivering new product opportunities
- Proven track record of driving strong team and individual performance and engagement
Job Role Competencies
- Very strong verbal and numerical reasoning skills
- Very strong communication skills
- Very strong analytical skills
- Very strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Skilled at presenting new ideas, flexing style and approach to gain buy‑in
- Very strong people‑management, coaching, mentoring and development skills
- Very strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, emotional intelligence and self‑management
- Highly organised, good prioritisation skills
- Disciplined and conscientious, results‑oriented
- Tenacious, resilient and adaptable to change
- Change advocate with a curious, continuous‑learning mindset
- Forward‑thinking and innovative
- Passion for the River Island brand and customer
Benefits
- Generous staff discount
- Flexible working and paid holiday package with additional holiday purchase options
- Health and wellbeing benefits through the Retail Trust, financial advice and wellness solutions
- On‑site gym and subsidised restaurant & café
- Family support including maternity, paternity, adoption and fertility treatment benefits
- Private pension plan and generous bonus scheme
- Optional healthcare coverage through AXA
- Commuter allowance
Equal Opportunity Statement
River Island is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from individuals irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. We consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Safeguarding and Workplace Safety
We are committed to safeguarding all employees and fulfil our obligations under the Prevent duty. We promote British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. For more information, visit
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