What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Continuously search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Cash Margin
• In depth knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitor’s
• Recommends & produces analysis to make good forward planning decisions
• Maintains BU WSSI

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

• Assists & supports senior merchandiser with planning appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department/Range/store
• Assists in planning appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Assists in planning appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/Range
• Cut OTB: Core v Fashion Flow v Fashion
• Assist in planning appropriate e-Commerce Buy

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

• Management of Core Template to size level to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut analysis & recommendation by Department/ Market
• Plan appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
• Appropriate Colour Balance
• Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product

PRODUCT SELECTION

• Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
• Assist in developing a clear IBO Strategy
• Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing
• Ensure buys are in line with the shop visual plan strategy
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization
• Right balance of core & fashion

TRADE

• Attend weekly team meeting and suggest actions to drive business
• Prepare Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Recommend consolidations to the Senior merchandiser
• Assist in implementation of a robust Promotional Calendar
• Assist in implementation of a robust Innovations Communication
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management – controlling Shop in Shop
• Statements but clearing Seasonal Lines

MARKET AWARENESS

• Conduct Quarterly Comp Shops
• Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Assist in conducting Bi – annual SWOT with Store Champions
• Engage in store visits

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with colleagues within M&S
• Build good relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team
• Build good working relationship with UK

LEADING PEOPLE

• Guide & train Assistant merchandiser & allocator to develop into the next role
• Be involved in appraisals

Skills

Required Skills to be successful:

• Interpersonal Skills.
• Problem analysis and problem-solving
• Delighting Our Customers
• Collaboration 
• Managing Complexity 
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands.
• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Optimistic Attitude
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Cultural Awareness
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Calibre
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage