Junior Merchandiser

ABOUT US

My 1st Years is the UK’s leading provider of high-quality personalised gifts for baby and children, as worn by the likes of Prince George, Luna Legend and Blue Ivy. Since its inception over 10 years ago the business has grown to over 100 team members and, just like our revenue, is growing fast! Despite our dizzying growth, we've remained true to our core values of top quality, excellent value, and second-to-none customer service. We want to offer products and experiences that create lasting memories and can be treasured for years to come.

ABOUT YOU

As the Junior Merchandiser, you will assist the Head of Merchandising and provide support in the planning and trading of your department. You will proactively assist in the day-to-day running of all merchandising operations, with an aim to deliver a range that optimises sales, stock and profit. Your personable and positive demeanour makes you a reliable partner to the merchandising team and allows you to form strong working relationships across the different departments in order to influence growth and drive efficiency.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Gather and collate relevant information to support the department in the range planning process and in-season trading
• Produce category budgets with the buying & design team, using analysis of past sales figures and trends to help where appropriate
• Create and monitor department KPIs including revenue, markdown, margin, ASP and profit alongside the Head of Merchandising
• Work closely with the Buying team to monitor deliveries, highlighting issues where required and suggesting solutions
• Work across the business to ensure that the critical path is implemented and adhered to each season
• Update and re-forecast the WSSIs on selected departments under the guidance of the Head of Merchandising, and propose ways to capitalise and de-risk the department
• Assist the merchandising team in markdown planning
• Manage the line cards ensuring they are all accurate, proposing actions where necessary
• Actively help prepare and participate in weekly Trade Meetings
• Developing positive working relationships cross-functionally across the wider business and external suppliers
• Keeping up to date with competitor activity to make commercially informed decisions
• Deputise for the Head of Merchandising and Merchandiser as required (meetings, ad-hoc projects)
• Manage and mentor the Assistant Merchandiser to support their development

Skills and Knowledge

The Junior Merchandiser is expected to have the following skills and knowledge:

• Solid merchandising experience 3 years+ experience
• Experience in Childrenswear, toys or home and gifting is preferred
• Experience in managing the critical path process
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships at all levels
• Excellent communication and presenting skills
• Strong numerical and analytical ability
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with superb attention to detail
• Driven, motivated, and ambitious
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Location: Our offices are based just off the M1 in Northampton working a hybrid model with 2-3 days in the office.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 with service) + Bank Holidays
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Summer Hours (3pm finish every Friday in June, July & August)
• 2 Volunteer Days per year
• Birthday Day off (in addition to your holiday allowance)
• Early finish on payday
• EAP
• Staff Discount
• Free onsite parking