JD Sports Fashion
Junior Merchandiser - Apparel
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Junior Merchandiser - Apparel
Merchandiser (Category Responsibility) – JD Sports Fashion Plc
About JD Sports
Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gymwear, operating across multiple markets worldwide. JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019. The company continues to grow in the UK and internationally, striving to be the world’s leading omnichannel retailer in sports and outdoor retail.
At JD Sports, success is driven by a people-led, innovative, and customer-focused culture, with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous growth.
"We want to be part of this successful company—and help achieve it. If you are passionate about integrating our strategic goals, we’d love to hear from you."
Role Overview
To lead the team in delivering across all channel Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake, and Profit Plans, ensuring alignment with strategic corporate objectives while managing daily operations.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Strategy (5%)
- Review past seasons and produce a SWOT analysis with supporting data.
- Work alongside the Merchandiser & Buyer to shape and present departmental strategies.
Plan (25%)
- Plan creation:
- Develop category-level product mix based on history, SWOT analysis, and SMT Plan.
- Align with the Senior Merchandiser to formulate space and grading plans for optimal store distribution.
- Ensure WSSI (Wholesale Standards & Sourcing Information) is updated with the buy plan and get KPI sign-offs from the Senior Merchandiser.
- Collaboration & execution:
- Attend key selection meetings alongside the Merchandiser & Buyer.
- Build Range & Layout plans in conjunction with buying and Visual Merchandising (VM).
- Oversee scheduling and ensure Ideals (stock targets) are set for assigned areas.
- Manage stock seasonality within the WSSI framework.
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Stock (15%)
- Review stock-to-buy ratios in collaboration with Assistant Merchandiser.
- Ensure actual buys match the planned buys.
- Build and maintain relationships with the supplier base.
- Manage order books (both in-season and pre-season) to ensure accurate system information.
- Control Intake at category and line level for optimised stock flow.
Trade (45%)
- Trade performance & risk recovery:
- Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPIs, identifying issues and actions for the weekly trading meetings.
- Propose and agree recovery actions with Senior Merchandiser & Buyer for risk mitigation and maximising opportunities at both the category and line level.
- Monthly processes:
- Document approved actions during monthly forecast reviews.
- Forecast from category/season level to Buy Group, incorporating:
- Sales variances vs. plan
- OTB (Open to Buy) management
- Commitment controls (OTD, rebuys, cancellations)
- Markdown proposals
- Store & range optimisation:
- Provide Rack/Hit lists to Retail via Merchandising Assistants.
- Update monthly range plans to reflect changes.
- Manage line cards.
- Conduct store visits, optimise performance, and create action plans impacting stock allocation.
- Ensure store option plans enhance stock optimisation—balancing neither overstocking nor stockout of key lines.
- Cross-functional collaboration:
- Establish strong communication & working relationships across teams and functions.
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Behavioural Skills & Attributes
Nowhere do we simply say "we need it done"—we say "who’s going to take responsibility? Let’s assist!" Here’s what we value (and how you’ll fit in):
- Delivering Excellence Strive for consistently high standards with enthusiasm, delivering quality service to meet personal and team expectations.
- Responsibility & Initiative Take ownership of tasks, crack initiative to solve problems and account for decisions.
- Teamwork & Support Collaborate to achieve goals—sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and driving results with relevant stakeholders.
- Leadership Inspire by example: maintain professionalism, motivate team members, and drive performance.
- Effective Communication Ensure clarity and understanding across all interactions.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge Required
- Essential:
- Previous experience in a similar Merchandise Planning or Buying role.
- Proven success within sports/fashion retail.
- Advantageous:
- Strong numeracy & commercial focus, with analytical, financial, and forecasting expertise.
- Proficiency in traditional retail & category management tools (e.g., WSSI, buying software, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Indicative of working knowledge of trade KPIs, margin tracking, and pricing strategies.
Benefits & Development Opportunities
Join a fast-paced, innovative team where we recognise effort and champion growth. Colleagues enjoy:
- Exclusive Discount: Total access to JD Group products and partner brands.
- Education & Training: Personal and professional development programmes to advance your career.
"Thank you for your time—our team is ready for talent with ambition that matches theirs." #JD
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