Senior Merchandiser

at  KILLSTAR

The KILLSTAR brand-universe is an invitation for people to explore, discover, and become who they are. We help affirm this invitation by creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our team members are embraced exactly as they are.
In this role, you will drive the development of strategic merchandise/inventory plans and strategies that support the merchandising, marketing, and financial objectives of KILLSTAR. Based in our Brighton HQ, you will report to the Merchandise Manager as an integral member of our product team, ensuring that our inventory is consistently at the right levels and budget is met. In this role, you are responsible for a cross section of categories - from apparel, accessories, lifestyle and cosmetics.
You will work closely with our Head of Product and Wholesale Team, leading a team of junior merchandisers to understand commercial processes within the buying function. You will collaborate with our creative teams who will be your partners in success. If this sounds like you, please read on!

YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Merchandising for a global e-commerce company across a range of categories and products; including Apparel, Accessories and Lifestyle.
• Accountability for the critical path of product development.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Management of a junior team of Merchandising Assistants / Junior Merchandisers.

• Ensure that stock is in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantities by working closely with wider Product and Supply Chain teams as well as implementing live trading feedback.
• Support the Merchandise Manager with gathering and analysing historical data and brand insight to manage product assortment and financial performance.
• Mentor and manage the Merchandising Assistants on-site, ensuring talent is nurtured and developed.
• Guiding the growth, development and succession planning of the overall merchandising team.
• Collaborate within the Product team, as well as the wider teams to ensure communication is clear and relationships are strong.
• Own and be fully responsible for your categories, as directed by the Merchandise Manager, guiding the success and range planning level down to category and subcategory and ensuring company growth is met.
• Conduct data analysis and partnering with Product to ensure the right details on a SKU level are selected.
• Support the Merchandise Manager with stock management and OTB planning.
• Support the Merchandise Manager with suggestions to control stock, markdowns and other activities to maximise profit, minimalizing terminal stock.
• Coordinate internal SKU purchase and creation through analysis of historical performance and future trends on your categories.
• Contribute in making sure the styles stay true to the plan, ensuring that each item is a winner, and that the assortment is properly balanced across looks, silhouettes, fabrics, patterns, colour, price points, etc., taking the correct inventory position with key items and fringe and/or newness.
• Understand and work to calendar, supporting the management of on time product launches.
• Manage and maintain the launch schedule for all products.
• Work to keep vendor relations are optimal i.e., getting the best possible prices, quality and service levels with an appropriate level of “partnership” from the Market.
• Partner with other Seniors to collaborate and problem solve as a team, rolling information up Manger level.
• Have a continuous improvement mindset - identifying and suggesting collaborative improvements.
• Working as a merchandising team, partner with e-commerce and marketing teams to lead concise and results driven weekly trade meetings.
• Roll data in detailed but easy to digest reports as required.
• Build strong relationships with the Wholesale Team to drive margin as well as volume.
• Manage the placing of Purchase Orders, providing on-site training to junior team members on completing this process.
• Attend in person Sample and Buy reviews, partnering with wholesale, product development and production.