JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: ZSL Assistant Merchandiser
SECTION: Retail
DEPARTMENT: Commercial
DIVISION: Commercial & Communications
RESPONSIBLE TO: ZSL Merchandiser
PARTICIPATING JOB HOLDER(S):
APPROVED BY:
JOB HOLDER(S):
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR DIRECTOR:
JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NUMBER:
GRADE ALLOCATED: 7.13
JOB EVALUATION REVIEW HISTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES:
Main Purpose of the Role:
The ZSL Assistant Merchandiser will assist in maximising the profitability of ZSL, within the
Buying and Merchandising function through effective stock management and control of
product intake.
To assist the Merchandiser and contribute to the overall forecasting, analysis and delivery of
a profitable and commercial range from the supply base to store, that maximises every sales
opportunity. Assist in maximising the profitability of the retail function through the
achievement of budgeted targets relating to sales, stock, margins and markdowns.
Assist in the control of stock intake, the delivery schedule, initial stock targets and
replenishment of stock to stores to meet set targets and commercial key sales dates.
Key Responsibilities:
Product and Range Planning
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Supports the Merchandiser in working closely with the Buyer to plan ranges , sales
targets and category splits each season.
With guidance is responsible for forecasting and replenishment of an optimum range
of products for own catergories to maximise sales and profitability.
Utilise the support of the Merchandiser in managing Open to Buy and analysing risk.
Producing robust range plans by category and sub category to assist in creating
ranges that represents a Good, Better, Best offer and a robust pricing architecture.
Analysis
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Weekly, monthly and ad hoc sales analysis and reporting to support buying decisions
Reviewing current sales and reacting to maximise every sales opportunity with
guidance from the Merchandiser.
Analysing winners and losers in season, informing the Merchandiser and reacting to
drive sales.
Agreeing and reviewing targets for sales, margin, stock, commitment and availability
with the Merchandiser.
Managing departmental documentation relating to all sale periods.
Assist in implementing and exploiting new systems and processes.
Maintaining awareness of competition’s product offer.
Stock Management and Store Operations Relationship
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Managing stock and store availability targets at category and option level.
Maintaining the weekly delivery report highlighting delivery issues to the
Merchandiser.
Provide information and layout plans to the Operations team with the support of the
Merchandiser.
Maintaining communication links to store and the Operations team.
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Supplier and Warehouse Relationship Management
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With the support of the Merchandiser produces supplier production and
commitment plans for ensuring on time delivery into the warehouse.
Manage and update the delivery schedule assessing stock requirements and
communicate to the supply base, Warehouse and Operations teams.
Ensure the warehouse team book quantities of products to meet key
commercial/product launch dates and respond to in season variables and according
to the delivery schedule.
Reacting to sales information and working with suppliers to revise production plans
and maximise sales.
Liasing with the Warehouse team to ensure intial delivery of products to store using
agreed targets and ensure timely replenishment of stock.
Supports the Merchandise Administration Assistant through effective critical path
management.
Control commitment and take action to meet future sales estimates using the WSSI.
Managing critical path from buy to store delivery for each stroke.
Agreeing the range production plan with the Merchandiser and monitoring with
suppliers.
Working with the supplier for the prompt input of flows to ensure alignment
between production and commitment.
Assist in managing supplier capacity and capability.
Timely and accurate placement of purchase orders.
Working with suppliers to resolve in season delivery and quality issues.
Conduct Supplier Reviews and performance meetings with the Buying team.
Team Management and Development
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Build relationships with the Buying and Merchandising Manager, Merchandiser and
Assistant Buyer.
Coaches the Merchandise Administration Assistant to ensure efficient process and
procedures are used on the department, championing the keep it simple strategy.
Mentors and develops the Merchandise Adminstration Assistant.
Takes responsibility for driving own development and progression.
Works with Merchandiser to utilise the training directory to ensure continued
development.
Communicates effectively within the team dynamics.
Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Buying and Operations.
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Behavioural Competencies
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Teamwork – Manages self, inspires and works effectively in the frame work of a
team to ensure maximum contribution to company performance.
Managing Change - Supports the Merchandiser in leading the team through change,
with an understanding and degree of flexibility.
Decision making - Makes the right decisions through analysing information, assessing
risk and solving the problems to deliver results. Refers as necessary.
Resource Management - Delivers goals through the effective development and use
of all available resources, i.e. people, process and technology.
Setting Direction - Sets direction and ensures plans are delivered on time, meeting
business needs by identifying potential opportunities and solving issues.
Communication and Influencing - Influences and works constructively with others, by
communicating effectively and adapting to changing situations.
Innovation and change - Creates and introduces ideas that drive change and
innovation.
Commercial Acumen - Improves results by focusing on the customer, and by applying
knowledge of the external market and competitors.
Additional Requirements
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Educated to Degree level.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages with numeracy and IT skills.
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
Ability to analyse data and reports.
Managing net margins
Production planning skills and stock management
Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
A keen eye for detail with quantitative and qualitative data.
Flexible and organised approach to workload.
Adaptable and calm under pressure.
Able to work independently or part of a team.
Excellent work ethos to timekeeping.
Full clean driving license as travel to both Whipsnade and London sites is a key part
of the role.