Strategic Partnerships Assistant Merchandiser

Role Overview

• Responsible for assisting with the planning and delivery of the trading strategy for the account with agreed KPIs
• Helps to form the wholesale strategy, aligning and collaborating with key counterparts against the River Island brand strategy
• Key point of contact for Partner Account team with day to day queries, including but not exclusive too, cancellations
• Works closely with the Wholesale product teams to direct and sign off on range plans considering Option width, ALB, pre-season buys, OTB and in season trading budgets
• Assists the Wholesale Merchandising team with providing accurate, relevant analysis to maximise sales and trading opportunities, proposing adjustments to immediate and longer-term financial plans
• Demonstrates commercial awareness through delivering relevant and concise department and category performance, suggesting action or amendments to drive additional sales and trade
• Responsible for the Wholesale sales report and data for the business’s internal sales reporting system/s
• Seeks additional reporting information in collaboration with the Merch and Account Leads, to support the business’s understanding of International performance and each Partner’s KPIs
• Responsible for the projected intake of flow products, ensuring appropriate levels of stock to sales, in line with cut offs
• Accurate management of Partner’s future commitment, identifying and highlighting opportunities and potential risk for Wholesale Partner/s
• Accurately maintains Weekly Intake forecasts
• Responsible for Wholesale stock management, reviewing and maintain stocks inline with the business’s seasonal strategy and markdown periods
• Accountable for maintaining accurate information and attribution within Wholesale’s order database
• Aware of the department’s critical path for timely delivery of planning documents
• Manages the workload of the MAA with a thorough understanding of the performance, escalating to the Merchandiser when needed
• Sets the direction and objectives for the MAA, providing timely feedback and support to enable them to work to the best of their abilities
• Challenges all company working practices where appropriate to improve ways of working
• Foster and enable a culture of wellbeing and inclusion through openness, two way listening and owning actions needed to create a great workplace for our Islanders

Requirements

• Previous experience at Assistant Merchandiser level, or established Senior Merchandising Admin/Senior Allocator is required
• Experience in an omni-channel business is highly desirable
• Track record of mentoring and developing other team members
• Proven results in assisting with and delivering a strategic plan
• Track record of delivering and exceeding KPIs
• Track record of driving strong team and individual performance and engagement
• Advanced Excel skills

Benefits

• Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
• Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
• A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment support for all family setups.
• Flexible working, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
• Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.
• Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.
• A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.
• 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!