AddressPaul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
The Merchandising & Trading Manager will collaborate with the Head of Buying & Merchandising on commercial product strategies, meeting customer requirements across each customer-channel; presentation of key strategic vision for the business with regards to seasonal analysis, option plan, forecasted sales, intake and margin; and ensure budgeted margins are achieved whilst providing a strategic vision of both short and long-term sales, stock and margin potential.
Please note, this is a temporary Maternity Cover position. We are looking for someone to start by the end of May 2024.
The Role
• Execute the company’s product strategies, managing option counts and productivity, ensuring appropriate seasonal rates of refresh and product life cycle.
• Manage and maintain Open-to-Buys and re-projecting the balance of the season after actualising each month for all product categories.
• Analyse weekly trading and KPI reports. Support and guide the Merchandising team to deliver the best business and team objectives.
• Responsible for the end-to-end management of stock through to clearance.
• Motivate and lead the Merchandising team, encouraging a positive trading mindset at all levels. Develop the teams career progression plan and refine the succession plan. Recruit for key roles within the team if required.
• Maintain an open dialogue with territory managers to ensure transparency on stock and drive sales performance across all channels.
• Collaborate with the Buying Manager on the critical path to ensure approvals and timely decisions are made.
• Manage changes in demand and logistical changes as and when they arise.
• Align department resources with areas of growth and profitability.
Your Skills and Experience
• A minimum 2.1 degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising or Fashion Design or Fashion Business, or equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience in Retail and Merchandising, specifically a minimum of 5 years’ working as a Merchandiser with credible experience in a Trading role.
• Experience of the lifestyle market, both nationally and internationally.
• Previous proven experience working in a busy environment and running and developing a team.
• Competent at accurately inputting data, reporting and financial analysis.
• Confident at presenting.
• Ability to identify target customer groups and apply to long term strategies.
Who you are
• Very methodical, with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to build strong and effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• An influential team member who can work collaboratively.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, ability to remain calm under pressure and can work to tight deadlines.
• Interest in fashion, current trends, culture, music and the arts.
• An awareness of the broader fashion/lifestyle market.
• Flexible over working hours when necessary, able to travel if required.
What’s in it for you
• A generous clothing allowance.
• A discretionary discount on PSL goods.
• Flexi-time and hybrid working.
• Private Health Insurance with Vitality.
• An annual leave entitlement of 25 days, plus Bank Holidays.
• Cycle to work and travel loan schemes.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.
