Merchandiser

The Company Poundstretcher is one of the UK’s leading discount retailers with a network of over 300 stores. Primary Objective * Optimise the profitability of a designated product area. * Developing a commercial liaison across all interfaces with the Merchandising function within the business Principal Accountabilities Budget preparation * Prepare seasonal buying plans through thorough analysis of historical data and understanding of future trends / activities. * Set and agree core KPI’s with the Buyer in terms of sales, stock intake phasing, margin, stockturn, markdown and terminal stock etc. Range planning * Translate agreed KPI’s (as above) into a range framework in conjunction with the Buyer * Working with the Buyer to develop commercial ranges within this framework * Establish initial stock intake plans and stock covers within this framework Selection / sign off * Ensure final ranges as selected meets the targets outlined as above * Jointly with the Buyer to deliver range within the critical path Intake * Plan and control the initial product intake phasing * Plan and control mailer / event availability Stock control * Ensure product delivery is in line with the stock distribution strategy (e.g. sufficient outer cartons to meet allocation requirements) * Facilitate stock delivery to plan through close liaison with Allocation / DC / Stores. Trading / In season monitoring * Maximise opportunities & minimise risks of the performance of the area by monitoring actual performance versus plan and taking remedial action as necessary. * Intake, despatch, DC & Store stock levels * Accurate forecasting of markdown spend * Terminal stock forecasts * Completion and maintenance of corporate core data / forecasting and statistical tools Analysis / Data * Maintain comprehensive data records for immediate and future analysis Commercial Acumen * Maintain a full and working knowledge of the product, supply chain, competitors and wider retail market to maximise the performance of the product area. Liaison * Close working relationship with Buying / QA teams. * Regular contact with Allocation team / Distribution Centre. * Regular store visits and liaison with all store focussed departments * Develop close working relationships with all product related departments to encourage co-operation and achievement of the KPI’s. Personal Attributes * Commercial awareness (ideally of Poundstretcher’s product and customer profile) * Self motivated and can cope with multiple tasks retaining high level of accuracy * Able to find and extract data and develop a full understanding and awareness of business systems relative to fulfilling the role * Good communication and interpersonal skill with ability to display self confidence and initiative * Demonstrates effective team working skills * Good numerical and analytical ability