Head of Merchandising
New Yesterday
Forward Role has partnered with a fast-growing retailer on the search for a commercially driven Head of Merchandising to take ownership of trading performance and lead the merchandising function into its next phase of growth.
This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for sales, margin, stock and intake performance.
The Role
As Head of Merchandising, you will be the senior owner of commercial performance across the business. You will translate ambitious growth targets into robust forecasts, disciplined stock investment plans, and profitable trading outcomes.
You will lead forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB), WSSI and inventory strategy across all DTC channels, ensuring capital is deployed effectively and risk is proactively managed.
Key Responsibilities
Own weekly and seasonal trading performance (sales, margin, stock and intake)
Build and manage annual and seasonal forecasts, including phasing and reforecasting
Drive stock efficiency, weeks of cover and sell-through performance
Own pricing architecture, promotional planning and markdown strategy
Protect and optimise margin through disciplined trading decisions
Analyse performance vs forecast and act decisively on risks and opportunities
Optimise stock levels across categories, channels and territories
Lead intake phasing to balance availability, cash flow and risk
Own end-of-season planning and stock clearance strategy
Establish and manage merchandising KPIs and reporting cadence
Improve forecasting accuracy through data insight and post-season analysis
Bring market, competitor and channel insights into planning decisions
Build, lead and develop a high-performing merchandising team
About You
Minimum 5+ years' experience in a senior merchandising role
Proven track record delivering growth in a DTC-led business (ecommerce & retail)
Strong commercial acumen with exceptional analytical capability
Experience managing large stock and intake budgets
Confident leading weekly trade meetings and influencing senior stakeholders
Advanced Excel skills
Strong communication and presentation skills
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
A collaborative leader who builds strong cross-functional relationships
What's On Offer
25 days holiday + your birthday off
Uncapped bonus scheme
Private healthcare
Staff discount
Ongoing personal development opportunities
The opportunity to play a key role in a high-growth, ambitious brand
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Not sure what skills you will need for this opportunity Simply read the full description below to get a complete picture of candidate requirements.
Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
- Location:
- Warrington, Cheshire
- Job Type:
- PartTime
- Category:
- Education And Training