ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER JOB DESCRIPTION

Sell-through rates slip quietly before anyone notices, markdowns pile up, terminal stock accumulates, and a season's margin erodes faster than the trade team can react. The Assistant Merchandiser is the early-warning system and daily executor who keeps that from happening, owning the Weekly Sales, Stock and Intake (WSSI) across a category and translating trade data into concrete replenishment and markdown recommendations. This role sits between the Merchandiser and the Allocator function, holding accountability for in-season stock positioning across multi-channel retail estates. Fashion retail moves on short critical paths and tight OTB windows.

Assistant Merchandisers in fashion retail are accountable for maintaining forecast accuracy at the SKU and category level while managing the full intake process from supplier to warehouse, directly influencing the department's sales plan and gross margin outcome. Working under the Merchandiser and alongside the buying team, the role spans weekly trade meetings, range plan maintenance, and the day-to-day development of Merchandising Admin Assistants.

Career Impact: Owning a live WSSI and presenting trade findings independently to Heads and Directors builds the analytical credibility that distinguishes a future Merchandiser from a perpetual support function.

Business Impact: Accurate SKU-level forecasting and timely intake management directly determine whether seasonal sell-through targets are met or whether markdown exposure grows unchecked across the category.

Growth Opportunity: The progression from this seat to Merchandiser is a defined, well-trodden path within fashion retail, and the combination of range planning exposure and people management of an MAA team accelerates that timeline measurably.

• Maintain and update the WSSI weekly, reforecasting sales and intake figures to reflect current trading patterns and stock positions.
• Monitor category trading performance daily, identifying sell-through risks and availability opportunities for escalation to the Merchandiser.
• Manage the intake process end-to-end, liaising with suppliers to resolve delivery exceptions and ensure critical path milestones are met.
• Propose and cost markdown and promotional activity, including margin impact analysis, for Merchandiser sign-off.
• Produce weekly and seasonal analysis, including size, colour, and attribute breakdowns, to inform range planning and buying decisions.
• Oversee initial allocations and replenishment, guiding Allocators to achieve availability targets across all channels.
• Deputise for the Merchandiser in trade and planning meetings, presenting category findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop and coach the Merchandising Admin Assistant, setting objectives and supporting progress against their development plan.

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Business, or Retail Management, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of merchandising experience in a fashion retail environment, with direct responsibility for WSSI management.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast sales and stock at SKU and category level using trend analysis and trade data.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the confidence to present data-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and complex formula construction.
• Sound understanding of the critical path process and the intake cycle from order placement through to warehouse delivery.
• Experience building productive working relationships with buying, supply chain, and allocations teams.

• Previous experience managing or mentoring a Merchandising Admin Assistant or junior team member.
• Exposure to multi-channel retail environments, including both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce trading.
• Familiarity with merchandising planning systems such as SAP, Futura, JDA, or comparable ERP platforms.
• Commercial awareness of the competitive fashion landscape, including competitor pricing and product positioning.

• WSSI forecast accuracy, measured as the variance between projected and actual weekly sales at the category level.
• Sell-through rate by season end, reflecting how effectively intake timing and markdown proposals were executed.
• On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery compliance, tracking supplier performance against agreed critical path milestones.
• Markdown rate as a percentage of net sales, measuring how well terminal stock was managed across the season.
• MAA development objective completion rate, reflecting the quality of coaching and structured feedback provided.
• Typical tools: spreadsheet and planning software (commonly Excel, Futura, or SAP); reporting systems (commonly Business Objects or equivalent retail BI tools).

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 – $68,000 per year
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5 – 10% of base salary
• Equity: Not standard at this level; may be available at larger publicly traded retailers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 15 – 20 days per year plus public holidays
• Common Perks: Staff discount on retail product, flexible or hybrid working arrangements, structured learning and development programme

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment contingent on successful completion of a background check in accordance with applicable law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Assistant Merchandiser owns the weekly trading cycle, conducting line print meetings, reviewing WSSIs, managing line cards, and coordinating intake and size planning to optimise commercial stock performance across a multi-channel business. Working cross-functionally with buying, wholesale, warehouse, and channel teams under the Merchandiser's guidance, the Assistant Merchandiser shapes bottom-line profitability by ensuring the right product reaches the right place at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly line print meetings with the merchandising admin assistant and channel team.
• Suggest and agree on actions with the Merchandiser before meetings and provide feedback on comments after.
• Review all aspects of category WSSIs under the Merchandiser's guidance, forecasting sales and profit based on current trends and managing terminal stocks.
• Highlight sales, profit, and stock risks and opportunities.
• Manage line cards with merchandising admin assistant support, ensuring full availability of continuity lines and making re-order suggestions.
• Support strategy and buy planning by pulling lessons learnt and analysing data.
• Contribute to the buying and sign-off process.
• Attend and contribute to weekly critical path meetings.
• Support intake management and ensure critical dates are met.
• Plan and prepare size breakdowns and sizing grids, reviewing and signing off with the Merchandiser before sending to suppliers.
• Build relationships with internal and external partners, including buying, wholesale, warehouse, VM, and channel.
• Assist in the training and development of the Merchandising Admin Assistant in the day-to-day running of the department.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience at Assistant Merchandiser level or similar, preferably within a fashion retailer.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to react appropriately to in-season trading.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs.
• Strong numerical skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fun and dynamic environment.

Embedded within the merchandising function, the Assistant Merchandiser delivers customer-focused product ranges by owning category, range, and SKU-level forecasts to optimise sales, stock holding, margin, and availability. Working closely with the Merchandiser or Senior Merchandiser, replenishment teams, and suppliers, this role builds a seamlessly executed booking process and maximises availability across all channels to drive commercial targets.

Core Functions

• Review weekly trading performance to identify issues and opportunities and prepare relevant analysis as required.
• Own and manage category, range, and SKU-level forecasts to ensure sales, stock holding, margin, and availability are optimised.
• Use merchandising systems to manage intake and stock position.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure required stock is available and manage supply gaps by exception.
• Ensure the booking process is executed seamlessly and manage any exceptions across all channels.
• Manage new lines into the business and vendor-specific promotions.
• Ensure all promotional uplifts are calculated and added to the relevant forecasting systems and reports.
• Ensure stock arrives into the business in a timely fashion so that opportunities are maximised.
• Work with the replenishment assistant to plan initial allocations and launch builds and ensure stock and availability targets are met.
• Assist the Merchandiser or Senior Merchandiser to ensure on-time delivery by supporting the achievement of merchandising milestones within the critical path.
• Oversee timely delivery of stock into the warehouse to maximise availability in line with agreed KPIs and timelines for all channels.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in an Assistant Merchandiser or Merchandise Admin position, or a graduate in a relevant field.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Demonstrable experience of forecasting and updating a WSSI.
• Understanding of allocation and stock management.
• Strong Excel knowledge.
• Excellent administrative and organisational ability.
• Positive and proactive approach to building relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to take accountability for own and team targets.

Reporting to the Merchandising team, the Assistant Merchandiser manages stock levels and produces accurate sales forecasts by monitoring business trends, calculating cover for forward demand, and coordinating order placement with overseas mills via sea and air freight. Partnering with the customer and internal teams, this role maximises profitability through effective inventory management, improved availability, and reduced markdown.

Primary Duties

• Work within forecasts and manage all stock levels accordingly.
• Produce accurate stock forecasts within the range based on business trend analysis and research.
• Amend forecast estimates as and when required.
• Monitor previous trends.
• Calculate cover for forward demand and stockholdings.
• Agree estimates for new product launches with the customer.
• Attend regular launch meetings to ensure all items are received on time.
• Place orders with overseas mills promptly to meet customer delivery requirements, by sea or air freight depending on delivery timescales.
• Manage mills to ensure all deliveries arrive at the specified time, with full awareness of delays or stock shortages.
• Maximise opportunities through effective inventory management.
• Drive sales through improved availability, forecasting, reduced markdown, and maximised profit.
• Liaise with the customer as and when required.
• Provide strong support to the Merchandising team.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including forecasting and planning ability, covering trend monitoring, forward demand calculations, and stockholding and fabric requirement calculations.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical skill set.
• Strong communication skills, both internally and with customers.
• Forward-thinking mindset with a drive to make a difference.

Sitting at the intersection of trading analysis and range strategy, the Assistant Merchandiser manages day-to-day department performance by maintaining the WSSI, proposing markdowns and promotional activity, and supervising the allocation function to deliver maximum profit and minimum markdown. Operating across retail operations, visual merchandising, direct, and DC channels while deputising in the Merchandiser's absence, this role shapes current and future season merchandising decisions through seasonal product performance analysis.

Duties

• Manage day-to-day trading of the department to ensure maximum profit and minimum markdown.
• Maintain the WSSI through weekly updates of stock levels, sales, and intake, as well as re-forecasting sales.
• Highlight areas of concern and potential to the Merchandiser.
• Propose and cost markdown and promotional activity, taking into consideration margin impact.
• Carry out analysis of product performance throughout the season and use findings to influence merchandising decisions for current and future seasons.
• Assist the Merchandiser in range planning for upcoming seasons.
• Input into departmental strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
• Supervise and manage the allocation function in line with company and departmental KPIs.
• Provide training and development of the Allocator to achieve set objectives.
• Input into cross-functional activity as required, including Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising, Direct, and DC.
• Develop through store and competitor visits while building relationships with the worldwide supply base.
• Deputise in the Merchandiser's absence.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in people management.
• Experience with the Futura system is desirable.
• Knowledge of the critical path and product lifecycle of similar categories.
• Commercial awareness with an interest in the fashion retail industry.
• Ability to work both independently and within a small team.
• Ability to manage heavy workloads and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of the business.
• Strong numerical ability.
• Good presentation skills.

A key member of the merchandising division, the Assistant Merchandiser leads PLM data entry, sample management, competitive pricing analysis, and cross-divisional allocator training to drive a small product category toward its sales plan and Sell-Through target. Collaborating across the Corporate Pricing team, buying guides coordination, and market training administration, this role delivers the cross-functional partnerships needed to sustain accurate data and category growth.

Accountabilities

• Manage all PLM data entry.
• Prepare reports using Excel for the Merchandising team.
• Own the sample management process, including tracking, ordering, and maintaining samples.
• Conduct competitive analysis, including pricing analysis.
• Partner with the Corporate Pricing team to understand price bands across the three core currencies and report findings back to the Merchandising team, maintaining data to support the price structure in PLM.
• Organise and coordinate collection notes and buying guides.
• Coordinate and support all administration duties relating to market training for the Merchandising team.
• Deliver ad hoc administration and assistant duties to ensure the smooth running of the team.

Position Requirements

• Minimum two years of experience as an allocator.
• Experience in a volume retail environment is desirable.
• Experience in a multi-store environment with international reach is desirable.
• Proficiency in Excel at an intermediate to advanced level.
• Ability to analyse large quantities of data.

Accurate weekly trading reports, optimised stock intake, and timely markdown decisions depend on the Assistant Merchandiser, who shapes order placement with suppliers, manages warehouse intake alongside the buying team, and produces sizing and attribute analysis to support buying reviews across the womenswear category. Based within a head office merchandising team and reporting to the Merchandiser, this role builds the operational rigour that enables the category to trade effectively across all channels.

Job Functions

• Produce weekly trading reports, summarising and identifying key drivers.
• Manage order placement and intake plans with suppliers to maintain planned stock levels.
• Review and re-forecast continuity lines on a regular basis.
• Manage intake into the warehouse in conjunction with the buying team, warehouse, and suppliers.
• Highlight delivery discrepancies and propose necessary actions.
• Work closely with the Merchandising Admin Assistant to manage intake and allocation of stock.
• Support the Merchandiser in trading category areas and the creation of lessons learnt.
• Produce sizing analysis, review slow lines, and propose and action markdown.
• Produce attribute analysis across colour, price, and sizing for all channels, and conduct ad hoc analysis on ranges in preparation for buying reviews.
• Attend critical path meetings.

Background & Experience

• Previous experience in head office merchandising at Assistant Merchandiser or Senior Merchandising Admin Assistant level.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Good understanding of the WSSI and the WSSI process.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Commercial awareness.
• Team player with the ability to work with other functions of the business.
• Well organised with strong time management skills.
• Passion to develop a long-term career in merchandising.

As the Assistant Merchandiser, this role owns intake target achievement, channel performance analysis, and the structured development of a Merchandise Assistant through a measurable objectives programme to deliver size ratio optimisation and sustainable profitability. The fashion merchandising team relies on this work to contribute innovative commercial solutions to department strategy while supporting the Merchandiser in trading decisions that drive sell-through and margin outcomes.

Key Deliverables

• Maximise profit by ensuring size ratios and return rates are reflective of customer needs and reviewed accordingly.
• Ensure intake targets are achieved, and that launch product is delivered promptly.
• Develop a strong understanding of product performance across various channels and identify ways to impact performance.
• Contribute to department strategy by recognising innovative ideas and solutions with commercial gain.
• Develop the Merchandise Assistant through a development programme by identifying and setting measurable objectives and adopting a flexible management style.

Education & Experience

• Educated to degree level or with studies completed in a relevant field.
• Experience operating at an Assistant Merchandiser level.
• Extensive experience within the fashion industry.
• Experience as an inspirational manager with the ability to develop a Merchandise Assistant.
• Outstanding ability to build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Highly organised with the ability to plan, as well as a flexible and reactive approach.
• Ability to effectively support the Merchandiser in trading the department and driving profitability.

Assistant Merchandiser shapes department performance by forecasting sales and stock levels, managing the WSSI, and developing a Merchandise Admin Assistant within a fashion retail merchandising team to deliver against sales, margin, and profit targets. Success in the position means maintaining close collaboration with the Buying team for range planning and surfacing risks and opportunities through regular evaluation of lead times and general department performance.

Role Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the Merchandising department.
• Forecast sales and stock levels to achieve sales plans and margin and profit targets.
• Monitor department performance and identify opportunities as well as potential risks.
• Work closely with the Buying team to successfully range plan for the department.
• Participate in trade meetings with heads of department and directors.
• Evaluate the running of the department with a focus on lead times and general performance.
• Develop and manage a Merchandise Admin Assistant to encourage their development.
• Manage the WSSI and support trade plans.

Professional Experience

• Proven experience in merchandising in a fashion retail business.
• Experience of planning weekly sales, stock, and intake management.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to build relationships internally and externally at all levels.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Excel and other MS Office applications.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of managing and developing team members is desirable.
• Knowledge of reporting tools is desirable.
• Confidence to manage and own a category, including participating in weekly trade meetings.

The Assistant Merchandiser produces accurate critical path tracking and supplier performance management by running independent progress meetings, negotiating order deferrals or pull-forwards, and maintaining LRD dates for repeat and continuity lines across a regional supplier base. Reporting to the line manager and engaging with the origin supply chain team and merchandising colleagues, this role advances on-time handover of goods and supports new supplier onboarding and the sustainability agenda.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on critical path tracking and production status management with direct and indirect suppliers.
• Receive critical path trackers from all suppliers and ensure a high level of supplier compliance with milestones.
• Run progress meetings with suppliers independently, effectively influencing and managing supplier performance.
• Maintain accurate LRD dates for repeat and continuity lines for all suppliers in the region.
• Identify issues in the critical path, find solutions with suppliers, and escalate to the line manager where appropriate.
• Negotiate deferral or pulling forward of orders with suppliers.
• Engage with the origin supply chain team to support timely handover of goods and optimise shipping.
• Support development sample chasing from suppliers and support lab dip and strike-off submission.
• Lead on the supplier set-up process and support new supplier sourcing.
• Understand WSSI meeting outputs and commercial dynamics for the assigned area.
• Run progress meetings with merchandising colleagues independently.
• Develop an understanding of the production process for garments in the assigned area and support the sustainability agenda.
• Manage capacity availability with suppliers and provide clarity to merchandising colleagues.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least two years of solid experience in merchandising.
• Strong understanding of the production process for relevant products.
• Developing knowledge of production processes, techniques, product components, and the management of shipments from booking through to ETD.
• Understanding of the levers that drive lead times for different regions and products.
• Developing awareness of different cultures and cross-cultural working environments.
• Ability to read the WSSI and other commercial reports, including understanding basic commercial metrics such as cover.
• Ability to develop an understanding of the tactical options available to recover time on delays.
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers on activity timelines and lead times.
• Ability to confidently run relevant meetings with suppliers and colleagues.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is required for colleagues based in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
• Strong ability to spot issues and manage risk, supported by excellent organisational skills.
• Transparent communication with colleagues and line managers on status.
• Ability to take accountability for own and team targets.

Embedded within the merchandising and new product development teams, the Assistant Merchandiser develops purchase orders, manages range plans across core, bespoke, and terminal stock categories, and coordinates with an international supplier base to drive inventory performance and profitability across e-commerce channels including B2B, D2C, and Amazon FBA. Working closely with interdepartmental teams and freight forwarders, this role advances multiple concurrent annual brand launches from critical path through to catalogue production and delivery to domestic and international destinations.

Core Functions

• Manage the range of continuing core products, client bespoke ranges, and terminal stocks.
• Support the Merchandiser with data preparation to facilitate accurate range sales forecasting.
• Create and manage purchase orders to achieve SLAs, maximise OTB, and minimise terminal stocks, with a focus on inventory management and merchandising for e-commerce channels, including B2B, D2C, and Amazon FBA.
• Maintain a collaborative and coordinated approach with interdepartmental teams to ensure range plans, marketing campaigns, and sales promotions align with business strategy and brand values.
• Assist in the preparation of product data, including stock, sales, and range performance data, for business reporting.
• Communicate with an international supplier and manufacturer base to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods.
• Support the Merchandising team in day-to-day operational procedures and aid in optimising workflows.
• Assist with the importing of goods, working with freight forwarders to ensure accurate clearance and delivery to both domestic and international destinations.
• Assist the Product Launch team during all stages of the launch roadmap, including catalogue production, creation of product matrices, data imports and exports, and proofing of print and digital materials.
• Assist in resolving incoming product and inventory queries from trade and consumer channels in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist in maintaining accurate product information data on internal systems, including the creation and maintenance of product SKUs, descriptions, specifications, and pricing.
• Prepare pre-delivery notifications for the Goods Inwards team to ensure an efficient pathway to sale.
• Support the business with other product-related tasks as directed by the Merchandising team leader.

Technical Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in an import or merchandising role.
• Experience in omnichannel B2B and D2C retailing.
• Background in jewellery, fashion, or a similar industry is advantageous.
• Experience with purchase and sales order management using business management, ERP, or e-commerce software.
• Experience in critical path management.
• Data analysis and reporting experience, including creating forecasts and business insights.
• Proficiency in Excel and other office applications, including working knowledge of pivot tables and lookup queries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiating skills.
• Confidence in influencing decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Excellent time and project management skills with the ability to meet simultaneous deadlines.

Reporting to the Merchandiser, the Assistant Merchandiser refines departmental trading by forecasting sales and intake on the WSSI, completing seasonal markdowns, and deputising in internal and external trade meetings to achieve seasonal sales and profit targets within a luxury fashion retail environment. Partnering with the Buying team, Merchandising Admin Assistants, and the wider business, this role produces strategic analysis and coaches direct reports to build a high-performing merchandising department.

Primary Duties

• Assist the Merchandising team in achieving seasonal sales and profit targets based on the seasonal business plan.
• Work with the Buying team to establish a range of merchandise suited to the customer profile in each region.
• Make recommendations for changes and improvements to maximise sales and profit potential.
• Use analysis of weekly departmental performance to take actions to trade the area and maximise profits.
• Forecast sales and intake on the department WSSI and manage continuity business, reporting back to the Merchandising team for a total department view.
• Work closely with the Merchandising Admin Assistant on the intake process, ensuring timely deliveries and optimised stock levels.
• Deputise for the Merchandiser in all trading and planning meetings, both internally and externally, as required.
• Communicate clearly with the team to ensure alignment and clarity in working towards department goals.
• Ensure the wider business is aware of department priorities.
• Prepare weekly reports to monitor department performance, highlighting key findings to the team.
• Produce insightful analysis for the team and wider business to help inform strategy.
• Complete seasonal markdown for the department to maximise margins while considering the competitive market.
• Manage and develop Merchandise Admin Assistants by providing on-the-job coaching and identifying training opportunities.
• Monitor and review the performance of direct reports, including completing and presenting appraisals.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Relevant commercial experience in a fashion retail merchandising environment.
• Understanding of the luxury sector.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel knowledge.
• Commercial awareness, including a full understanding of the business, products, and competitive market.
• Strong eye for detail with great organisational skills and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external teams and functions.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to multi-task.
• Excellent communication skills.

Sitting at the intersection of data analysis and commercial planning, the Assistant Merchandiser oversees WSSI stock control, budget planning by category and option count, and weekly pricing amendment proposals to optimise sales volume and profitability across all designated product areas. Operating across trade meetings, the buying team, and the Merchandise Admin Assistant function, this role advances informed decision-making and supports overall business strategy and growth objectives.

Operational Focus

• Use data to optimise the sales volume and profitability of all designated product areas.
• Support planning of budgets by category, option count, and depth of buy based on overall business and financial goals.
• Control stock levels based on weekly sales and stock intakes using the WSSI.
• Review sales forecasts based on performance and action re-forecasts.
• Analyse and monitor best and worst sellers and make informed recommendations for action.
• Recommend promotions and rebuys as necessary.
• Monitor and maintain buying margin and gross profit margins as requested.
• Ensure best sellers reach their full potential.
• Supply the Merchandiser and buying team with the necessary data to enable informed decisions and planning.
• Deputise for the Merchandiser when appropriate.
• Propose weekly pricing amendments and potential margin impact.
• Run reports from data systems for Monday trade meetings and present key findings and actions to the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Support day-to-day management of the Merchandise Admin Assistant role to ensure workload is prioritised in line with current business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong computer literacy skills, especially in Excel.
• Solid understanding of the WSSI.
• Analytical skills with confidence in working with and extracting insight from data.
• Strong decision-making and time management skills with the ability to prioritise workload.
• Good commercial knowledge of the wider marketplace and broader business.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing booking dates and ensuring intake and category targets are met.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment.

A key member of the merchandising team, the Assistant Merchandiser refines stock management by overseeing replenishment and initial allocations, identifying and costing markdown and promotional activity, and guiding Allocators in managing intake and ad hoc analysis to drive sell-through across NOS and seasonal lines at style, colour, and store level. Collaborating across the Planning and Supply Chain teams, Area Managers, and stores, this role sustains category performance through regular trading actions and range and option planning.

Scope of Work

• Review and re-forecast continuity lines on a regular basis, highlighting risks and opportunities to the Merchandiser.
• Assist the Merchandiser with range and option planning, and delivery phasing to meet sales plans.
• Manage stock levels and intake for NOS and seasonal stock at style, colour, and store level.
• Oversee replenishment and initial allocations to drive sell-through.
• Produce weekly analysis and feedback on the range and propose necessary trading actions.
• Guide Allocators in managing intake, allocation of stock, and ad hoc analysis.
• Work with the Merchandiser regarding stock and sales issues and take action on product requirements and feedback.
• Identify, cost, and propose markdown and promotional activity with the Merchandiser to drive trade.
• Liaise with the Planning and Supply Chain teams regarding delivery issues and delays.
• Build strong working relationships with Area Managers and stores.
• Carry out store visits as required.

Required Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Merchandiser with a proven track record of managing and developing junior team members.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and complex formulas.
• Knowledge of SAP and BIS is an advantage.
• Ability to make trade decisions based on sales performance using merchandising tools.
• Strong prioritisation skills with a flexible attitude to change.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with all levels of staff.
• Enthusiastic, self-confident, and self-motivated.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and competing priorities.
• Professionalism maintained at all times.

Consistent on-time-in-full delivery and category KPI achievement depend on the Assistant Merchandiser, who oversees purchase order execution, tracks intake against trading account budgets, and manages exit, excess, and aged stock in line with company policy across an assigned retail category. Serving as the key liaison between the category team and supplier counterparts, this role advances supplier performance and ensures compliance with critical paths and business rules to maintain a reliable customer experience across the store estate.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Monitor weekly performance and make recommendations for activity to ensure successful in-season execution and delivery of target availability across the store estate.
• Take accountability for achieving all key performance indicators, including sales, stock, margin, and markdown, in line with the category.
• Work with the Senior Category Merchandiser or Category Merchandiser weekly to achieve key stock KPIs.
• Review and report on supplier performance regularly to optimise sales and profit targets and maintain a first-class customer experience.
• Track on-time-in-full delivery and take appropriate action to resolve delivery failures and minimise future occurrences.
• Assume responsibility for purchase order execution within agreed parameters and timelines.
• Track intake against the agreed trading account budget and identify gaps to plan for the category team.
• Manage exit, excess, and aged stock in line with company policy and update the team with relevant information.
• Build close relationships with supplier counterparts to ensure continuity of supply and minimise failed deliveries through effective management and progress chasing.
• Comply with standard commercial processes in accordance with critical paths and business rules.

Education & Experience

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent, with Maths GCSE grade A–C.
• Marketing, Merchandising, Retail, or Business degree preferred.
• Experience using Business Objects.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills to review data and provide recommendations, actions, and plans.
• Good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of customer needs.
• Good knowledge of MS Office, in particular Excel.
• Knowledge of SAP, Compass Planning, Arthur Planning, Manugistics, Oracle, JDA, or equivalent merchandise planning systems.

As the Assistant Merchandiser, this role develops range plans, maintains the WSSI, and manages all order placement while supporting and developing Merchandising Administration Assistants within a large fashion retail environment to enable accurate stock control and trend-based decision-making. The merchandising team relies on this work to maintain a comprehensive historical data library and identify supply difficulties through regular intake and commitment review across an assigned department area.

Areas of Ownership

• Maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate historical data to support analysis of trends and forecasts.
• Provide day-to-day support to the Merchandiser by managing range plans.
• Update and maintain the WSSI to support stock control of the department.
• Work towards managing an assigned area within the department, overseen by a Junior Merchandiser or Merchandiser.
• Identify and inform Merchandisers of supply difficulties through regular review of intake and commitment, and take responsibility for all order placing.
• Support and develop Merchandising Administration Assistants in the department.

Professional Experience

• Currently working as an Assistant Merchandiser, ideally with experience at a large fashion retailer.
• Experienced at leading, developing, and managing others.
• A strong user of Microsoft Excel, adept at working with high volumes of data, and with excellent numeracy skills.
• Highly organised with a real attention to detail.
• Aware of the importance of critical path management.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently on multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Commercially astute with an understanding of customer profile, product range, and competitors.
• A confident communicator, engaging when presenting and able to influence at all levels.

Assistant Merchandiser advances critical path management and order follow-up by monitoring shipments through the DSS system, liaising between overseas buyers and factories, and maintaining a filing system that ensures full visibility across all areas of a footwear buying office. Success in the position means delivering on-time product shipment through strong negotiation and bilingual communication in English and Mandarin that underpins accurate and effective supplier relationships.

Accountabilities

• Provide effective communication between buyers and suppliers.
• Follow up on orders and ensure on-time shipment of product.
• Monitor the process at different stages of the critical path.
• Manage the critical path using the DSS system.
• Maintain a proper filing system to ensure visibility across all areas.

Experience & Qualifications

• Tertiary education or equivalent.
• Four to five years of solid merchandising experience in footwear or relevant products in a buying office environment.
• Proven ability to work with overseas buyers independently.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to liaise between buyers and factories.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Mandarin.
• Excellent computer knowledge.

The Assistant Merchandiser coordinates the full range-building process, leads departmental WSSI meetings, and oversees markdown management and best-practice identification to elevate trading outcomes across a multi-channel fashion retail business. Reporting to the Merchandiser and working closely with buying, allocation, and cross-functional teams, this role guides Trainee Merchandisers and new Assistant Merchandisers while re-forecasting the WSSI and managing core and seasonal product performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage intake and the critical path.
• Conduct daily and weekly analysis of product performance.
• Manage core and key seasonal products, repeat buys, and availability.
• Manage communication cross-functionally.
• Oversee markdown management and propose promotional products.
• Maintain and update range plans with accuracy.
• Support Merchandising and Buying with ad hoc tasks and reports as required.
• Identify and resolve data inaccuracies.
• Provide full departmental seasonal and phase analysis to support the range-building process.
• Own the range-building process from start to end.
• Maintain and manage the WSSI, including identifying OTB and overstocks and recommending appropriate action.
• Re-forecast and analyse the WSSI, communicating changes and findings to Buying.
• Lead departmental WSSI meetings.
• Deputise in the Merchandiser's absence.
• Assist with the training and development of Trainee Merchandisers and new Assistant Merchandisers.
• Identify best practices and ways of working, and suggest improvements to processes and procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in merchandising.
• Strong computer literacy skills, including advanced Excel.
• Confidence in manipulating data, nested formulae, and pivot tables.
• Strong analytical skills with confidence in working with and deriving insight from data.
• Strong commercial awareness, including knowledge of the wider marketplace and broader business context.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships confidently.

Embedded within the buying and merchandising operation, the Assistant Merchandiser coordinates daily purchasing tasks across sampling, production, and shipment stages, supporting pricing processes and supplier negotiations to ensure product accuracy and on-time delivery within the textile and garment industry. Working closely with quality and logistics departments and providing CBX data entry and clerical support, this role elevates operational efficiency through bilingual communication in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese across an international supply base.

Work Activities

• Assist in the daily operations of the team.
• Assist with the follow-up of orders from sampling, production, and shipment.
• Support the preparation of the pricing process.
• Assist with pricing and supplier negotiation.
• Work closely with Quality and Logistics departments, including fitting and testing.
• Provide clerical support, including CBX data entry.

Qualifications & Experience

• Fresh graduates with a degree in Fashion and Textiles will also be considered.
• Form 6 or above (HKDSE) or Form 7 or above (HKALE).
• Minimum two years of merchandising experience in the textile industry.
• Good command of written and spoken English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
• Detail-oriented mindset.
• Self-motivated, self-organised, responsible, hardworking, and independent.
• Proficient in MS Office and Lotus Notes.
• Good working attitude with a willingness to learn and a collaborative team player.