We are an outdoor clothing and equipment retailer located in Clapham Junction, soon to be moving to larger premises very near Victoria station. We currently have 85 stores and are planning to open approximately another 25 over the next 12 months, then 25 the following year. We manufacture our own brands in the far east. There are currently 11 people in the Buying and Merchandising team. There are currently 3 buyers and 3 production coordinators working with the buyers. We have two merchandisers who work mainly with the stores and warehouse. Merchandising for range planning each season for individual products is done by the buyer.
We are therefore looking for a passionate, hands-on, multi talented individual who will grow with the company and add value to our team. Someone ambitious who is always striving for improvements in all aspects of the business, is innovative and forward thinking. The position is permanent and there is strong career progression for the right candidate. Salary depending on experience.
Requirements:
Manage Footwear, Accessories, and lightweight clothing departments. Including reviews of stock, sales, orders and forecasting.
Must able to understand and analyse reports and then make recommendations based on figures, common sense and experience, therefore must be incredibly numerate and analytical. Personally manage £4 million budget per season.
Must be commercial as will be making business critical decisions on a daily basis.
Range planning to maximise profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices.
Regularly present seasonal range plans to the management team that reflect company goals and ambitions.
Source new and constantly re-evaluate, resource and review existing merchandise to ensure product remains as competitive as possible (wherever possible MW to be the cheapest on the high street).
Select the type and quantity of product for the department given the budgeted OTB and place orders over 2 main seasons A/W and S/S.
Good interpersonal skills – able to build and manage relationships with colleagues and suppliers, communication is key at all times.
Reports to be constructed and presented to senior management, therefore must have very good IT skills most importantly in Excel.
Keep up to date and be aware of market trends, react to changes in demand.
Fully understand customer needs and demands (price, quality, availability).

Colour planning for each season.

Managing a production coordinator and critical path assistant to make sure all goods are on time and critical path is up to date.

Attend fit meetings with production coordinators, models and garment technicians, making suggestions on fit , styling, trims, signing off samples.

Time management.
Typical tasks:
• seasonal range plan development - analysing customer buying patterns, forecasting sales and predicting future trends, presenting findings in reports and presentations in a clear and logical format, this will include ratio calculations for size and colour;
• regularly reviewing stock, sales and orders and react with necessary urgency to ensure sales, stock & profit targets are achieved;
• managing plans for stock levels, reacting to change in demand and logistics;
• working closely with merchandising in controlling stock levels, moving stock and making sure best selling stock is always available.
• meeting with overseas and UK wholesale suppliers negotiating price and terms of contract (at least 3 buying trips to the far east each year);
• maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products at competitive prices;
• attending trade fairs, in the UK and abroad, to select and assemble a new collection of products and ensure we have the best commercial range;
• participating in promotional activities, helping the buying and merchandising team to identify slow moving stock, suggesting marks downs or promotions.
• liaising with shop personnel to ensure product supply meets demand, as well as working with merchandising to set and maintain optimum stock levels;
• seeking product feedback from customers and staff;
• creating style cards for products, identify when to update trim labels, fabrications and packaging , and liaise with graphic designer to ensure a consistent brand image;
• overseeing the management of the critical path with the production coordinator, monitoring all orders from initial product development through to delivery, ensuring the smooth running of the development process, maintaining delivery schedules and key deadlines throughout;
• managing sample process ensuring all designs and fabrications are executed correctly, meeting brand requirements;
• manage production coordinators in, creating spec sheets, fitting garments, lab dip and trim approvals and feeding back to suppliers;
• liaising with shipping and accounts to ensure all documents and invoices are received and signed off.
• liaising with the Web team for samples and photography, escalated customer queries and product placement on the site.
• Involvement in 2 product catalogues per year; page layout, product selection, direct photo shoot with models and photographer on location, write copy, work with graphic design to produce the catalogue
• Developing commercial new patterns for each.
• training and mentoring junior staff.
Please email CV and covering letter to:

Shantelle Augier Buying Director

shantelle@mountainwarehouse.com

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