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Merchandise Assistant
Merchandise Assistant – JD Role Overview
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 Gyms. Its headquarters, JD Sports Fashion Plc, has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1996 and joined the FTSE100 in 2019. The Group continues to grow domestically and internationally, with the vision to become the leading global omni-channel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry.
To contribute to this exciting journey, we need a Merchandise Assistant (MA)—an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional with a clear desire to support the strategic goals of a people-led, innovative, and customer-focused organisation. As part of every day, the ideal candidate will help drive operational excellence, identify new growth opportunities, and ensure profitable performance across all channels.
About the Role
The Merchandise Assistant (MA) plays a critical role within the Merchandising function, providing hands-on support to deliver the department’s strategy. The position is responsible for ensuring customer, sales, and profit goals are met through efficient supply chain management, stock accuracy, and trade optimisation.
Key objectives involve assisting with:
- Order reconciliation to maintain accurate supplier records.
- Stock management to guarantee the right product is available in the right stores at the right time.
- Trade reviews to maximise profitability through data-driven decisions.
- Collaborative workflows with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, retail, and branch merchandising.
The Merchandise Assistant operates as part of a dynamic team, contributing to KPIs in sales, profit, and stock across stores and digital channels.
Responsibilities
Order (30%)
- Support size ratio adjustments on smaller brands under supervision of the Assistant Merchandiser (AM).
- Create purchase orders via upload, verifying all details (e.g., quantities, suppliers, deadlines) before submission.
- Reconcile supplier order books with Booking ETAs, flagging and communicating discrepancies to the AM.
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Stock (35%)
- Update supplier order books and generate ETA reports on internal systems.
- Receive and book in product as directed by the Merchandiser.
- Act as the first point of contact for warehouse queries on delayed or problem orders.
- Perform cost and retail checks on incoming stock, collaborating with the Assistant Merchandiser.
- Liaise with warehouse teams to resolve delivery discrepancies and stock allocation concerns.
Scheduling (Initial Allocation) & Trade (35%)
- Generate and print key reports required for Monday Trade Meetings.
- Develop deeper knowledge of trade trends through report analysis and store visits.
- Monitor stock levels against ideal targets to optimise inventory.
- Coordinate In-Store Transfer (IBT) actions alongside the AM to ensure best-sellers remain available.
- Check and collate weekly price amendments for effective retail pricing.
- Follow up on feedback from Retail and Branch Merchandising to support store operational needs.
- Evaluate new store openings, providing actionable insights to the Merchandising team.
- Process marketing-related requests for new product launches or promotions.
Ad-Hoc & Leadership Growth
- Contribute to impromptu analyses and reports as needed by the team.
- Foster cross-functional relationships to streamline workflows between teams.
Job Objectives and KPIs
The Merchandise Assistant will support the team in delivering the following key performance targets:
- Ensure accurate order and stock records eliminate losses from inaccuracy.
- Monitor profitability through optimised inventory and effective trade reviews.
- Enhance operational workflows by introducing efficiency practices.
- Maintain adherence to JD’s core values of innovation and customer-first principles.
Competencies & Behaviours
The role requires a blend of te technical skills and JD’s core behaviours to excel:
- 2.1 Working with People: Promotes a supportive, collaborative culture across teams.
- 3.3 Presenting and Communicating Information: Clearly articulates data findings and trade insights.
- 4.1 Writing and Reporting: Maintains concise and accurate internal communications.
- 5.1 Learning and Researching: Shows curiosity and continuous development mindset.
- 6.3 Following Instructions and Procedures: Adheres to process guidelines and standards.
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Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Prior experience (or successful exposure) in a merchandising, retail, or supply-chain environment.
- Analytical aptitude: Ability to digest and interpret data to guide decision-making.
- Attention to detail: Enables accurate data entry and reconciliation.
- Brand and customer passion: Enthusiasm for JD Group, its brands, and its values.
- Excel proficiency: Basic knowledge required, with a willingness to learn (see Training Needs).
- Soft skills:
- Clear communication for analysing and sharing feedback.
- Proactive attitude to take ownership of tasks.
- Strong team player working to collaborative goals.
- Positive and adaptable, responding effectively to changing priorities.
Desirable
- Prior experience in retail merchandising, sports or apparel e-commerce, or stock management.
Training Needs and Development
JD Group offers personal and professional development opportunities, including:
- Intermediate Excel training to enhance analytical capabilities.
- Participation in the Aspire Peoples Development programme with tailored modules.
- Workshops such as Time Management to support productivity and growth.
A Few Things to Look Forward To: Our Benefits
At JD, our teams drive our success, and we recognize their dedication with compelling benefits:
- Staff Discount:
- Save on JD Sports Group and associated brands.
- Personal Growth:
- Engage in structured learning pathways through established programmes.
Join us in shaping the future of sports retail—apply as a Merchandise Assistant and be a part of our journey. #JD
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