Head Office
April 16, 2025

Role Overview: JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester To lead the team to deliver all Channel Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans. Drive business change to achieve company goals/objectives.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategy (10%):

  • With the Buyer review previous season and capture lessons learned.
  • With the Buyer create the strategy for the department and present
  • Drive Team development supporting the business to facilitate internal promotions and succession planning

Plan (35%):

  • Approve the proposed grading from the trading Merchandiser for input into the assortment planning process
  • Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually and apply plan at Category/Season level to meet the Buyer Group/Season plan
  • Quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible mix of product to deliver the KPI’s
  • Formulate range plan at Store level in conjunction with the Buyer quarterly
  • Attend selection/pre-selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers.
  • Plan the Pre Scheduling to meet the range plan – In conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers

Stock (5%):

  • Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with Assistant merchandiser
  • Ensure that the Buy matches the plan Buy
  • Manage Intake at category and line level

Trade (50%):

  • Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s, identifying Issues and the course of action in preparation for the weekly trading meetings
  •  Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level.
  •  Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly forecast reviews
  • Work up the forecast from category/Season level to Buyer Group
  •  Meet and gain approval: Incorporating
    • Forecasting any sales variance to plan
    • Creation of OTB’s
    • Management of commitments – On time delivery, rebuys cancellations
    • Markdown proposals
  • Provide Retail with Merchandising aids through the Store Allocators
  • Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes
  • Create and Manage/monitor sell out dates against all products
  • Establish collaborative working relationships across functions including Online, Store operations, visuals, Marketing, Finance, DC and Stores

Behavioural:

  •  Delivering Excellence Working at a consistently high standard & with enthusiasm. you work to deliver a high quality service to meet personal and team expectations.
  •  Responsibility (Delivers results) Take ownership of your work and use your initiative to deliver. Take responsibility for your own actions & decisions
  •  Team Work You work with others to reach a common goal; sharing information, supporting colleagues and searching out expertise and solutions from relevant stakeholders.
  •  Leadership You lead by example through your behaviours and professional approach to work; inspiring your colleagues and driving for results.
  • Communication You communicate clearly and concisely, ensuring that the message is understood by all.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge Needed:

  • Experience within a similar role is essential
  • Experience within a sports/fashion retailer is advantageous
  • Highly numerate and strong commercial focus
  • Proven deliverables within previous roles.