JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Merchandising and Distribution Manager
DEPARTMENT: Commercial
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Commercial, Kathryn England
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR: Rich Storton
Organogram of Commercial Department
The purpose of the job:
To maximise ZSL sales and profit through the effective direction and management of
merchandising, ensuring that products appear in the right store, at the appropriate time and
in the correct quantities.
To effectively lead, drive and manage the Merchandising team to achieve maximum results,
through the implementation and management of effective and efficient business processes
and critical paths.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Leading the merchandising and distribution teams, you’ll be committed to developing
strategies that achieve financial KPIs across the total retail business, including Ecommerce
and other channels.
You will work closely with the Buying and Product Development team to shape a joined-up
buying and merchandising strategy that sets the direction for the overall retail strategy and
long term commercial growth, including driving sales through multiple channels and deliver
them efficiently through our distribution centre. You will work closely with the wider retail and
commercial operations teams, sharing your insight and promoting best practice whilst
supporting colleagues in developing new retail opportunities.
Merchandising

Define and ‘own’ the overall ranging strategy ensuring that through effective range
control process and price architecture, the product selected is in line with consumer
trends and in line with sales and margins targets.

Ensure margin mechanics operate such that the range and pricing architectures
deliver the desired percentage and cash margins.

Ensure that the range changes include new product launches, clearance activity,
overstocks and implementation of new range stock are executed with careful
planning and liaison with stores, marketing, PR, suppliers and distribution ensuring
that any information is distributed in a timely manner.

Ensure that product and range performance is monitored taking the appropriate
action to ensure the identification and agreement on action plans to deal with best
and worse sellers in order to optimise performance.

Producing layout plans for stores.

Planning budgets and presenting sales forecasts and figures for new ranges.

Effective reporting and analysis of sales statistics, produce sales projections and
present spread sheets and graphs.

Analysing previous season’s sales and reporting on the current season’s lines.
Supply

Ensure that effective quality control becomes embedded in the buying and supply
chain processes to optimise product quality and legal compliance.

Develop effective communication mechanisms to ensure that new product
development launches on time as planned and to agreed specifications.

Controlling stock levels based on the forecasts for the season.

Work with the customer service manager to ensure a mechanism is in place for
managing quality problems with products in the marketplace.

Ensure effective control and management of inbound stock, agreeing forecasts and
work jointly with suppliers to resolve supply chain issues.

Ensure commitment levels placed on stock lines are consistent with the range and
promotional objectives.

Work closely with the logistics teams to ensure that there is a joined up process
between inbound and outbound stock movement.

Analysing every aspect of bestsellers i.e. price points, colours and styles and
ensuring that best sellers reach their full potential.

Monitoring slow sellers, and taking action to reduce prices or set promotions as
necessary.
Leadership

Ensure the merchandising team is effectively resourced, directed, motivated and
developed enabling them to reach their full potential for both individual and company
benefit.

Ensure team members are kept abreast of current issues both at departmental and
company level through effective communication forums.

Drive and develop the performance of the team with a view to optimising output and
achievement of objectives whilst effectively managing performance issues.

Adopt a senior leadership role within the commercial team, taking ownership with
Head of Commercial for setting and leading retail company direction and strategy.
General

To participate as an effective and willing team member in order to achieve individual
and team goals.

To ensure the Health and Safety of self, customers and colleagues is not at risk,
taking all reasonable steps to ensure safety in the workplace.

To adhere to all Company policies and procedures.

To undertake the required training and development.

Manage department costs in line with budgets.
Building relationships
 This is a key leadership role within the ZSL retail team and you play a key role in
improving and developing existing relationships and culture between the Head
Office and operational teams.
 Management of staff will be across two sites and there will be direct line
management responsibility as well as overall team development.
Expectations of job holder

To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all
aspects of the post holder’s work.

To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work
and responsibilities attached to this post.

Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to
undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service
training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be
encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in
consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience



Proven and strong track record in managing and developing a merchandising and
distribution team.
Experience of creating AND delivering seasonal and annual merchandising
strategies and driving sales and profit performance across multiple channels.
Strategic knowledge and experience with credibility to overcome
challenges, drive change and make great results happen.
Knowledge




Extensive and demonstrable up to date knowledge of merchandising planning
systems and processes, across both in store and ecommerce
Experience in the lifestyle and homewares sector desirable
Full understanding of supply chain and customer satisfaction drivers, with focus on
repeat business and profitability
Ability to develop, interpret and act upon complex performance indicators, translating
in to effective strategies and tactical plans.
Skills & Abilities



Blue sky thinker with ability to see bigger picture
Creative and full of ideas which you are willing to bring to the table.
Great communicator and a natural team player
Other Requirements

You will be required to manage staff across two sites, London and Whipsnade,
Bedfordshire and so willingness to travel and a full driving license is essential.