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Junior Merchandiser
Junior Merchandiser – Merchandising Team
About the Role
Established in 1981 in the Northwest of England, JD Sports Fashion Plc is the leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gym wear, operating in multiple global markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and a FTSE100 company since 2019, JD Sports continues to expand internationally while remaining firmly rooted in its core mission—to deliver on its strategy of becoming the leading global omni-channel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry.
We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented individual to join our Merchandising function as a Junior Merchandiser (JM). This role involves pivotal collaboration within the team to drive sales, profit, and customer focus, both within stores and digitally.
The Junior Merchandiser will work towards operational excellence while identifying growth opportunities. Central to the role is ensuring the right stock is available for customers and fostering the necessary collaboration across the business to maximise product potential.
A key responsibility is training and coaching junior team members, contributing to the development of those around you.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy
- Support with historical analysis packs (HAPs).
- Evaluate past season trends to spot opportunities and risks.
- Collaborate on product mix and sign-off packs, ensuring adherence to deadlines.
- Present insights in product mix and sign-off meetings.
- Maintain and manage the central brand matrix, planograms, and range plans.
- Conduct quarterly reviews and updates for scheduling grades and size mapping.
- Upload load plans in WSSI post-product mix meetings.
Order Management
- Ensure accurate size ratios across all purchases.
- Validate the buy plan by distribution centre, assisting with split purchase orders.
Stock Control
- Assist with department intake assignments based on weekly forecasts.
- Reconcile sign-off packs with buy plans.
- Track and optimise key bookings.
Trade & Commercial
- Review weekly reports and assist in creating the department trade email.
- Implement trading strategies collaboratively.
- Update and present departmental sales and trade reports.
- Drive commercial decisions through Sales Analysis actions.
- Identify IBTs (In-Bounds Trades) and fast-track items; assist with brand RTVs (Returns).
- Direct team priorities on a weekly basis.
- Monitor and adjudicate distribution amendments.
- Flag markdown lines, summarise spend, and validate pricing decisions.
- Assist with executing weekly price changes.
- Evaluate free stock inventory lists and OBT/intake restrictions.
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Sales & Forecasting
- Manage and update sales forecasts while tracking stock positions.
- Recommend trading strategies based on data.
- Ensure WSSI forecasts are accurate on both sales and stock.
- Coordinate store options to align with internal goals.
- Review AM (Assistant Manager) linecards, highlighting stock anomalies.
- Support special sales events (e.g., Black Friday, sales, promotions) in trading plans.
Seasonal Transitions
- Regulate stock flow between seasonal products, including inter-season recodes.
Store Support
- Develop quarterly range plans aligned with market forecasts.
- Aid the team in ranging/de-ranging stores based on planned budgets and efficient stock levels.
- Analyse store/zone performance, highlighting improvement areas.
- Supervise merchandise allocation and branch actions to meet targets.
- Survey upcoming new store builds to inform optimised inventory levels.
- Understand real-time market conditions per country, region, or location.
- Conduct regular store visits, compile feedback, and cascade actionable recommendations.
Management & Mentorship
- Develop and guide junior team members (ensuring they thrive).
- Review current processes to identify efficiencies and propose improvements.
- Prepare and implement training schedules, along with conducting regular 1:1 catch-ups.
Role Objectives & KPIs
- Collaborate to optimise department sales, profit, and stock balances across stores and digital platforms.
- Maximise commercial opportunities throughout dynamic trading cycles.
Essential Requirements
✅ Analytical Mindset: Strong numerical skills and ability to scrutinise data-driven insights. ✅ Attention to Detail: Accuracy in recording and verifying data. ✅ Passion for JD and Brands: Emotional connection to the company’s brands and customer-centric ethos. ✅ Strategic Long-Term Thinking: Approach challenges with long-term impact in mind. ✅ Decision-Making: Parliament an ability to act independently and justify decisions. ✅ Effective Communication: Build and maintain rapport at all organisational levels. ✅ Ownership: Take initiative on key priorities while owning outcomes. ✅ Team Player: Collaborative spirit to drive collective success and share information transparently. ✅ Adaptability: Remain open to business evolution, remaining agile in a fast-paced environment. ✅ Continuous Learner: Curiosity driven by a passion to grow and excel.
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Technical Knowledge:
- Proficiency in Excel (familiar with intermediate concepts).
- General awareness of trade processes, product mix, historical analysis, and size ratios.
- Exposure to WSSI (Warehouse and Shop System Intelligence) and willingness to familiarise yourself with JD’s tools.
Training Pathway:
- Induction modules via JD internal toolkits (e.g., GUI, Shogun, recode system training).
- Shadow placement to facilitate on-the-job learning.
- Equipped access to scholarly resources and interactive training systems.
- Face-to-face sessions tailored towards tools (e.g., Highlight Planner, PO systems).
Required Tools:
- WSSI (inventory management)
- Central Brand Matrix
- Signature Planogram software
- Linecards
- Sale Analysis
- Monthly forecast and COAP Rowland reporting
- Size ratios tool & scheduling grade matrix
At JD, We Value Differently
Beyond individual success, we foster a people-first culture with innovation at its heart. Supporting our commitment to exciting growth, we offer:
- Staff Discounts: Access to both JD & partner group properties.
- Training & development: Growth at every stage through abundant learning opportunities, tailored upskilling, and progression pathways.
Thank you for your interest. Let’s achieve greatness together! 🚀 #JD
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