Position Overview & Specifications
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 mass-market 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.
What’s the Job?
The Merchandiser works closely with the Head of Merchandising to deliver product strategy and maximise commercial opportunities for their department. This is achieved through effective inventory management, accurate forecasting and improving availability to increase trading and reduce markdown spend and drive profitability of the business.
What will I do?
- Working closely with the Category Management team to build a commercial range.
- Developing detailed range plans with appropriate product phasing to ensure availability is maximised and to minimise terminal stock.
- Monitors and maintains buying margin and gross profit margins to maximise profitability.
- Monitoring range plans and trading plans to ensure optimum stock levels are achieved and OTB is maximised at all times to realise full revenue potential .
- Maximising in-season trading opportunities to ensure optimum trading and profitability.
- Reacting to trading activity suggesting markdowns and promotions where appropriate.
- Working closely with other departments in the business, Category Management, Marketing, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Online Trading and Retail
- . Maintaining a collaborative approach to work and ensuring that all ranges and promotions are in line with business strategy and aligned with brand values.
- Performing detailed analysis and reporting at yearly, seasonal, weekly level by department, category, line and attribute. Identifying sales patterns and potential trading opportunities.
- Recruiting, training and motivating a team ( AM and MAA) to ensure that business and brand objectives are met.
What skills and qualities will I need?
Key skills:
- Currently working as a Merchandiser with a minimum of 2 years’ experience at this level.
- Good understanding of Retail KPIs and how to influence them (sales, profit, markdown)
- Advanced Excel skills , with a high level proficiency with other Microsoft Office programs.
- Experience of managing/leading a team .
- Experience of setting up and maintaining a WSSI, category and line cards.
- Netsuite experience would be beneficial but not essential
Personal Qualities:
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Enthusiasm and determination to thrive in a fast growing business.
- Highly motivated with a can do attitude in line with the companies Better Never Stops Ethos.
- Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
- Demonstrate logical analysis and positive problem solving skills
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Modern city centre offices in Manchester
- An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
- Office bar and breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TVs
- A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand