Merchandiser - Sustainable Fashion Brand

• Job Title: Merchandiser                                      
• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Battersea, London                              
• Reports To: Head of Buying

Aspiga is Bcorp certified and winner of the Drapers Sustainable Independent Brand Award 2022, leading the way in sustainable and ethical values. Established in 2006 we are a responsible fashion brand who continue to lead the way in sustainable and ethical fashion - putting people and our planet first. We partner with artisans and suppliers, primarily in Kenya and India, to create contemporary and stylish clothing collections for women and men using natural, organic and sustainable materials.

We are looking for a Merchandiser to join the Product team to support our Channel growth plans, plan the seasonal ranges, manage options for retail, wholesale and online and report sale and stock performance to the business as well as agree trading activity weekly. Skills must include analytical, trading and pure merchandising skills and ability to work within a fast-paced agile buying team.

Reporting into the Head of Buying you will be responsible for planning each season’s collections, agreeing ranging assortments across multi channels including shops, marketplace and wholesale.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Maximise sales and gross margins for all channels through analysis, planning and forecasting.

• Reporting: Provide weekly summary of key performance indicators within departments of responsibility relating to sales, stock, profit, and markdown versus budget and last year
• Sales Analysis: Manage Weekly Stock Sales and Intake forecasts (WSSI) and review in season stock opportunities and risks in line with forecasts to maximise sales and reduce stocks i.e. OTB management, recodes, cancellations, repeats, phasing, new promotions or campaigns
• Inventory Management: Provide seasonal stock reports to review all stock, carry over, continuity and new ensuring we have exit strategies for all terminal and sale stock.
• Promotional Activities: Weekly reviewing in season opportunities and risks, ensuring OTB, and strategies are being followed and flagging re-considerations, taking into account ‘notify me’ orders, pre orders and demand forecasting.
• Orders: Working with the production team to ensure seasonal orders, and in season repeats are processed and accurately input on the ERP system
• Collaboration: Lead the Merchandise function and collaborate effectively across the business with Design and Production, Operations, Marketing and Finance.

ATTRIBUTES: We are looking for someone who…

• Has previous experience as a Merchandiser, Junior or Level 3 considered
• Has experience of working in a small/medium sized womenswear environment
• Has strong commercial awareness and can react appropriately to in-season trading
• Is confident in trading their own department, including forecasting and OTB management responsibilities
• Displays a high level of computer literacy and can work to tight deadlines
• Is detail-oriented and highly organised and has strong analytical skills
• Is proactive and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes in a high pressure environment
• Is passionate about sustainable fashion and customer experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in merchandising, retail, or a related field, preferably within the fashion industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Based at Aspiga’s Head Office, this position may require occasional travel to store locations
• The ability to lift and move merchandise is important.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• 30 days annual leave with additional days granted for length of service
• Employee discount
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives
• Pension scheme

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their CV to Sarah Norman: View email address on drapersjobs.com

Successful candidates will be contacted within one week of their application.