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Head Office - Level 3+
Merchandiser – Department: Merchandising
Location: Head Office, Chelsea House
Description
The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realising the commercial opportunities created by our unique product across all channels. This is achieved by developing and implementing the multichannel planning and trading strategy for a multiproduct department. The Merchandiser has direct impact on the product offer by channel, fulfilling all customer requirements and delivering their department’s strategy, sales, and profit plans. Working closely with their buying counterparts, the Merchandiser ensures that department margin targets are achieved while growing market share, maintaining sustainability commitments, and driving the performance of the merchandising team.
Key Accountabilities
- Develops the department and category strategy for a multiproduct area
- Grows sales and profit through successful planning and trading across all channels
- Formulates opportunities (through analysis of current and past performance and market data) to drive business performance across all channels
- Creates a forward strategy with the Buyer to deliver company brand briefs and operating plans
- Proposes adjustments to financial plans, OTB, and orders to optimise margin and sales, driving the trading performance of the department by channel
- Delivers a balanced range by channel and controls stocks within planned levels
- Ensures commitment reviews by size, maximising sales through stock availability while adhering to markdown targets
- Plans sourcing strategies to reduce costs and improve margin, incorporating sustainable practices in sourcing and production to support the buying team in delivering sustainability commitments
- Manages the department critical path with the Buyer to ensure timely product delivery
- Plans and implements the distribution strategy of stock to all channels
- Identifies wholesale opportunities and drives performance improvements
- Uses insights (store visits, industry news, sales/margin history, competitor analysis) to recognise risks and opportunities, proposing impactful actions
- Builds cross-divisional relationships and external networks, fostering a broad perspective and identifying emerging opportunities
- Challenges inefficient company practices to drive process improvements
- Collaborates with the Buyer to propose initiatives, create new strategies (e.g., product trials), and push sales and margin growth
- Develops team talent, providing coaching, mentoring, and learning opportunities to help individuals progress and fulfil their potential
- Manages a team effectively, setting clear objectives, fostering alignment toward goals, and empowering individuals through supportive feedback and development.
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Key Experience Required
- Proven experience as a Merchandiser or an established Junior Merchandiser
- Preferable experience in an omni-channel business
- Unwavering track record of exceeding sales and margin targets
- Demonstrated ability to identify and execute on new product opportunities
- Strong history of driving team and individual performance and engagement
Job Role Competencies
- Exceptional verbal and numerical reasoning skills
- Strong communication skills
- Advanced analytical skills and attention to detail
- Ability to present ideas persuasively while adapting to stakeholders’ needs
- Expertise in people management, coaching, mentoring, and talent development
- High emotional intelligence, collaboration, and organisational skills
- Highly disciplined, adaptive, growth-oriented mindset
- Firmly believe in innovation and continuous learning
- Passionate about the River Island brand and customer experience
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About River Island
We’re a beloved brand with an inspiring future. Our team—Islanders—is diverse, talent-driven, and united by a shared love for collaboration. Opportunities here provide growth in many directions and launch your career. This is the next chapter for you.
Headquartered in West London, discover our location on the map.
Benefits
💰 50% staff discount - Save on exclusive products, plus an onsite boutique.
🛒 Financial and wellbeing support via Retail Trust for expenses and health.
🏋️ Gym membership and subsidised restaurant/café for nourishment and wellness.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly policies, including extended maternity/paternity support, fertility assistance, and tailored care through the Retail Trust.
💻 Flexible working, plus early summer Fridays, aligned with pay periods.
💤 25 days paid holiday (excluding Bank Holidays) + the option to buy additional holiday.
💕 Give as you earn, ‘Giver Island’ days, and matched funding for giving.
🎓 Upskill through on-the-job training, qualifications, and a succession plan for career progression.
💰 Generous bonus scheme, private pension plan, and private healthcare options.
🚗 Commute allowance for everyday travel.
Keeping You Safe
River Island safeguards all employees, regardless of job role. We commit to the Prevent Duty, promoting British values (democracy, liberty, mutual respect, etc.). Updates available at www.gov.uk.
We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring everyone belongs. We enforce equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Flexible working supported unless required by necessity. Explore our full hiring journey here.
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