Assistant Merchandiser for web 120621

							120621



                               seasalt
JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title:           Assistant Merchandiser /              Location:      Falmouth
                     Allocator

Reporting To:        Merchandiser


1.     Primary Objectives

-      To support the Merchandiser to achieve agreed sales and profit targets
-      To adhere strictly to the Buying Calendar and Critical Path
-      To work with Assistant Buyer to support the creation of each season’s range
-      To develop strong relationships with all suppliers, to the benefit of Seasalt
-      To issue accurate supplier purchase orders for bulk production and monitor deliveries
       into UK warehouse

2.     Main Tasks and Key Areas of Work

       Range Planning

       Collate information for the Range Plan, for all sales channels, and provide to the
       Merchandiser
       Set parameters of ratio packs and ensure they are able to go out in the initial
       allocation
       Ensure all relevant tasks are completed in line with the Critical Path

       Supplier Management

       Upon approval from the Buyer, issue accurate bulk production purchase orders,
       manage acceptance of order and any required certifications
       Monitor all bulk production orders to ensure on-time delivery at the UK warehouse in
       line with the agreed Critical Path. Communicate any delays to the Buyer and
       Merchandiser
       Work with suppliers, warehouse, logistics and import departments to ensure smooth
       and efficient flow of stock into the warehouse.

       Forecasting

-      Review and monitor weekly intake on the delivery schedule and update Merchandiser
-      Assess channel performance analysis and suggest action to meet target sales
-      Understand and update commitment, sales and markdown and open to buy

       Trading

       Assess channel performance, key driving categories and best and worst selling lines
       and suggest appropriate course of action to Merchandiser to maximise sales
       In-depth knowledge of trading – review sales, react to performance, consider external
       factors, manage risk and maximise best sellers
       Create price change models, under the supervision of Merchandiser, as a reaction to
       current trade
       Print off and interpret reports
         Support the Merchandiser

         Regularly review size analysis and update department ratios
         Provide Merchandiser with information relating to commitment and intake phasing, as
         requested
         Collate all information necessary for monitoring the departmental margin
         Collate relevant information, including sales history, and submit to the Merchandiser
         for completion of Range Plan – eg rate of sale, cover
         Research and prepare information as requested by the Merchandiser, using
         appropriate resources and provide feedback
         Accurate barcode and pricing information
         Review line option requirements and manage stock delivery and distribution
         accordingly
         Understand the supplier strategy

         Stock Allocation

         After initial allocation by Stock & Data Co-ordinator, maximise store performance
         through effective allocation of stock replenishment, for all channels
         Apply commercial judgement and consider current trading patterns in decision making
         and manipulate allocation parameters accordingly.
         Build stock packages for new store openings, ensuring product mix is appropriate for
         store profile.
         Manage queries to and from stores, wholesale department and Online Customer
         Services

         Administration Support

         Set up and maintain organised filing system
         Make effective use of all systems available
         Collate and prepare relevant information for meetings
         Undertake ad-hoc analysis as required
         Issue production numbers and barcodes
         Input data for all bulk production purchase orders and update/amend the system, as
         required

         Store visits

         Identify visit opportunities
         Prepare for visit, identify issues to raise, report findings and collate information to
         discuss with team
         Propose action following visit

3.       Performance Targets

     -   Agreed sales target achieved
     -   Agreed profit targets achieved
     -   Buying Calendar and Critical Path achieved
     -   Deliveries on time to UK warehouse
     -   Stock levels optimised and minimum stock loss achieved
     -   Efficient and effective stock distribution

4.       Scope of Authority

     -   Management of Merchandising filing system
     -   Stock loss and distribution
5.     Other Specific Requirements of the Post




6.     Person specification for this post

     ASSESSMENT           ESSENTIAL SKILLS           DESIRABLE
       CRITERA                                       SKILLS
                       English and Maths GCSE
QUALIFICATIONS         grade C or equivalent

                  MS office experience
WORK RELATED      Problem solving
EXPERIENCE/SKILLS Strong commercial aptitude
                  Able to work numerically,
                  analyse and report back on
                  data
                  Experience of working
                  within a merchandising
                  function
                  Effective communication
PERSONAL SKILLS/  Well organised, effective
QUALITIES         prioritisation
                  Works to deadlines
                  Seek to manage and
                  develop self

SPECIAL WORKING        Able to work hours required
CONDITIONS             by the business and work
                       away from home if required