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Merchandiser – Outdoors, Tents & Camping
About GO Outdoors
At GO Outdoors, our purpose is strong and clear: "To inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors."
We passionately believe in the transformative power of outdoor activities—whether a daily dog walk, hiking Ben Nevis, horse riding, or cold water therapy. Our mission is to provide the best outdoor equipment at the best price.
Our values guide everything we do:
- "One Team – We Are Stronger Together"
- "Responsibility – We Take Ownership"
- "Passion – We Believe In What We Do"
- "Integrity – We Do The Right Thing"
These values drive us to fulfil our mission: be "the nation’s favourite outdoor retailer."
If you share our passion and want to make a difference, join our team to be part of something unbeatable!
Location
JD Group HQ (Bury, Greater Manchester)
Department
Buying
Employment Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
To lead the team across all channels to deliver Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake, and Profit Plans. Be instrumental in implementing change to achieve company goals and objectives.
As a Merchandiser at JD Outdoors, your role is vital in driving sales, profit, and stock efficiency within the Tents & Camping categories. You’ll collaborate with the Buying team to ensure the right products are available in the right location, quantity, and at the right time—maximising performance while minimising markdowns.
You will analyse sales data, stock levels, and market trends to optimise product availability and execute range planning, forecasting, and trading strategies that align with customer demand and business goals.
Working closely with Buyers, Allocators, and Suppliers, you’ll manage the critical path, secure smooth product flow, and capitalise on sales opportunities. Your commercial awareness, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities will help JD Outdoors deliver an inspiring, market-leading offer that fuels brand growth.
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This fast-paced commercial retail environment is ideal for someone who thrives with data, results, and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
Planning
- Drive the review of the previous season, capturing lessons learned.
- Develop and present the departmental strategy.
- Align the SMT (Supply Management Team) and intake plans at category and seasonal levels to meet overall company targets.
- Work with the Buyer to create and submit a seasonal plan that reflects the optimal product mix to meet KPIs.
- Participate in selection and pre-selection meetings with Buyers and suppliers.
- Plan pre-scheduling in consultation with Assistant Merchandisers to align with range plans.
- Review purchase ratios in conjunction with the merchandising team.
- Ensure purchased items match the planned budget.
- Propose new ways of working and plans to drive forward business performance.
- Ensure Buying and Merchandising plans align with financial targets (sales, stock, and intake).
- Optimise supplier terms to meet company objectives.
Trading
- Review weekly trading performance and KPIs, identifying issues and proposing recovery actions.
- Collaborate with the Buyer to develop category and line-level strategies.
- Capture monthly reviewed actions in performance reviews.
- Lead category forecasting for seasonal planning.
- Approve variances to the sales forecast, OTB (Open To Buy) modifications, and commitment management (delivery, rebuys, cancellations).
- Develop markdown proposals and update range plans in response to market trends.
- Set, manage, and monitor sell-out dates for all products.
- Oversee intake at category and line levels.
Teamwork
- Work closely with Buyers to execute the overall plan.
- Guide and develop the Merchandising Team to achieve targets.
- Collaborate with multi-channel teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Build strong relationships with Store Operations, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Distribution Centre (DC), etc.
- Develop the Merchandising Team (including promotions within the business).
- Partner with online marketing executives to optimise website performance.
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Key Deliverables
✅ Attend all systems training to ensure full utilisation. ✅ Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar for forecasts and delivery plans. ✅ Prioritise team training and development: "On-The-Job." ✅ Meet and exceed company sales, margin, and stock targets.
Requrirements
Essential Experience & Skills
- Previous experience in merchandising, planning, or a similar commercial retail role (outdoor retail experience desirable but not essential).
- Strong grasp of stock management, forecasting, and critical path processes.
- Commercially minded, with awareness of market trends, competition, and buying behaviours.
- Exceptional MS Excel skills, including handling large datasets.
- Strong numerical and analytical ability with the capacity to convert data into strategy.
- Experience using merchandising or retail planning systems.
- Highly organised, with sharp attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask, prioritise, and work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to liaise effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
- Proactive and Solution-Focused, with quick responses to challenges.
- Passionate about retail, product, and the outdoor sector, with a drive to achieve results.
Next Steps
Due to high application volumes, it can take time to review all submissions.
If you don’t hear back within 2 weeks of applying, unfortunately, your application hasn’t been successful this time.
Applications meeting the criteria will be invited to a 1st stage meeting with the Talent Team. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to an interview with the hiring manager.
Thank you for your time and interest—#GO!
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