Harvey Nichols is seeking an Merchandiser to join our Cosmetics and Fragrance team based at our Knightsbridge Head Office. As Merchandiser, you will manage orders and maintain optimum stock levels for the Beauty department, considering sales demand, budget and business needs. Assisting the Merchandising Manager with Financial planning and strategic Analysis for the Beauty Dept.

This is a Fixed Term Contract for 9 months.

About the role...

· Responsible for ordering and stock management for a full category of brands on the Beauty dept, ensuring there is an exit plan for Dcon brands/products and a forecasted launch plan for newness. Ensure purchase orders are raised, amended and cancelled/re-phased as required and to a forward forecast.

· Maintain forecasting on the WSSI and understand category OTB to inform the JM’s ordering budget.

· Attend & present in brand strategy meetings with analytical feedback on sales performance and a quantified plan of opportunities for brand growth, along with projected budget. Plan launch of NPD presented and forecast sales opportunity.

· With the Buyer, drive Range reviews by brand and site to ensure the optimum range is available for customers, whilst considering overstock and terminal stock risk. Understand Dcon impact for whole category with a plan for sales gaps.

· Manage & oversee stock levels for the category including replenishment, transfers, allocations, returns and PAR (shop fill) levels.

· Manage new product & brand set up – ensuring correct set up on system including prices, margins, PPM, category hierarchy and descriptions.

· Liaise with suppliers, the warehouse and stores to manage deliveries and stock moves around the business.

· Respond to and resolve store, supplier, accounts and warehouse queries, ensuring queries for the category are completed in a timely manner.

· Produce stock and sales reports including weekly sales, supplier reports and strategy pack information, along with running own analysis & reporting for day-to-day management of brand portfolio & category.

· Identify bestsellers and trends and present stock & risk information at weekly department trade meeting, with an understanding of full category performance along with own brand portfolio.

· Sale planning – plan markdowns, negotiate funding and action discounts on the system.

· Develop strong working relationships with our brands and internal stakeholders (DC, store management, Finance, Online & Marketing).

· Manage the Junior Merchandiser and support with their workload, development & training.

Job Objectives

· Ensure order process meets agreed deadlines and schedules

· Manage stock levels within agreed stockholding targets, within OTB

· Ensure all products are set up and categorised correctly on system

· Develop good working relationships with suppliers to facilitate productive negotiations

· Produce accurate and meaningful reports and analysis

· Protect the sales margin

Qualifications & Experience required

List specific professional qualifications and/or experience required

· At least 5 years’ experience in Merchandising

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills

· Excellent IT skills (MS Office, Excel, Retail analysis systems)

Skills and personal attributes required

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Strong attention to detail with excellent level of accuracy

· Good numerical ability

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Leadership skills with the ability to influence

What’s next?