Harvey Nichols
Merchandiser - Cosmetics and Fragrence
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Merchandiser - Cosmetics and Fragrence
Merchandising Role – Cosmetics and Fragrance (Fixed-Term Contract)
Harvey Nichols is seeking an Merchandiser to join our Cosmetics and Fragrance team based at our Knightsbridge Headquarters.
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (9 months)
- Location: Knightsbridge, London
About the Role
The Merchandiser will:
- Manage orders and maintain optimal stock levels for the Beauty department, balancing sales demand, budget, and business needs.
- Assist the Merchandising Manager with financial planning and strategic analysis for the Beauty department.
- Lead order and stock management for a full category of brands, ensuring a decommissioning (Dcon) strategy for current products and a launch plan for newness.
- Responsibilities include:
- Raising, amending, and cancelling purchase orders based on forecasted demand.
- Maintaining accurate forecasting on WSSI (Weeks Supply/Stock Index) and understanding OTB (Open to Buy), influencing the Junior Merchandise Manager’s ordering budget.
- Attending brand strategy meetings, presenting analytical sales performance data, and developing categorised growth plans with projected budgets.
- Collaborating with Buyers to conduct Range Reviews, assessing stock gaps and balancing supply with customer demand while mitigating overstock/terminal waste risks.
- Overseeing stock levels, including replenishment, transfers, allocations, returns, and PAR (perpetual inventory fill) management.
- Ensuring new product & brand setups are correctly configured in systems (pricing, margins, PPM, category hierarchy, and descriptions).
- Coordinating with suppliers, warehouses, and stores on deliveries and stock movements.
- Resolving store, supplier, accounts, and warehouse queries in a timely manner.
- Generating stock and sales reports (weekly sales, supplier reports, strategy packs), alongside own analysis, which will inform day-to-day brand portfolio and category management.
- Identifying bestsellers and trends and presenting this insight at weekly department trade meetings.
- Managing sale planning, including markdowns, funding negotiation, and discount actions.
- Developing strong internal relationships with brands, DC operations, store management, Finance, Online, and Marketing teams.
- Mentoring and supporting the Junior Merchandiser in workload, training, and development.
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Job Objectives
The role will ensure: ✅ Order fulfillment meets deadlines and schedules. ✅ Stock levels remain within agreed OTB and stockholding targets. ✅ All products are properly categorised and priced in the system. ✅ Relationships with suppliers are managed for effective negotiations. ✅ Accurate reporting and analysis for informed decision-making. ✅ Sales margin integrity is maintained.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Applicants must have:
- At least 5 years’ experience in Merchandising (Retail or allied industry).
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Fluency with IT systems (MS Office, Excel, Retail analysis software).
Key Skills & Attributes
Essential qualities include:
- Excellent written & verbal communication.
- Keen attention to detail & accuracy.
- Good numerical ability.
- Strong interpersonal skills & leadership potential.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
Ready to Apply?
If this Merchandising role aligns with your expertise, hit “Apply” to begin your journey at Harvey Nichols!
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