Branch Merchandiser

Castore exists for one single reason to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of massmarket brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role

At Castore the Branch Merchandiser plays a crucial role in ensuring that retail stores have the right products in the right quantities at the right time maximising sales and profit opportunities.

Responsibilities

Planning and Trading:

Create merchandising strategies that align with customer expectations and company goals.

Introducing best practice Branch Merchandising processes and KPIs

Working cross functionally with Merchandising Buying Visual Merchandising and Retail Teams to ensure accurate shop floor and stock room capacities optimal Option/SKU counts and commercial planning

Reviewing weekly sales and stock by store to optimise profit with space and density analysis presenting results and actions to the Merchandising team as well as contributing to the weekly trade meeting with the wider business

Working with Merchandising on initial allocation quantities store capacities for full price and outlet stores and leading best practice on this through the team

Communicating and managing New Season launches working with the MAA and logistics team to ensure stock is receipted and new season builds are on time and in full

Building necessary reports for the wider team

Reviewing allocations initial and replenishment as well as coordinating stock transfers between stores and ecommerce

Providing the warehouse with forecasts on a regular basis

Managing stock builds for End of Season Sale and promotional activities

Planning and executing End of Season inventory risk and opportunities

Regularly reviewIng slow stock packages identifying areas of opportunity and working with the Merchandising team to mitigate risk

Reviewing Promotional Calendar and ensure stock builds are planned accordingly

Monitor stock levels manage inventory and make commercial recommendations to the merchandising team to assist trade

People and Communication:

Lead a team of MAAs in effective allocations driving strategic direction and ensuring business goals and KPIs are met

Acting as a bridge between Merchandising Retail and Logistics

Regularly visiting stores and establishing an efficient and effective process for store feedback

Communicating and building relationships with Retail teams

Managing upwards into the senior leadership team to provide updates and highlight opportunity / risks

Skills & Qualities

Experience in a similar Branch Merchandising role

Passion for working with Retail and Warehouse teams

Commercial awareness able to identify risks and opportunities

Excellent organisation and project management skills with the ability to multitask

Proven ability to embed robust processes that contribute towards successful achievement of company targets and KPIs

The ability to translate technical merchandising data into strategic and tactical objectives that can be used across the business

Excellent communication skills persuasive engaging and making complex data relatable

Advanced Excel skills

An eye for detail and numbers

Experience of influencing multiple stakeholders and departments

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus scheme

25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

Modern city centre offices in Manchester

An opportunity to work with global sporting partners

Office breakout space with pool tables dart board and TVs

A chance to build a career with a fast paced high growth brand

Generous staff discount