Assistant Merchandiser

About the Role

The Assistant Merchandiser is responsible for overseeing stock management and the intake of each option within a department throughout its lifecycle. The goal is to ensure consistent product availability as per the assortment plan, while maximizing sales and profitability with minimal risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately forecast weekly sales, stock, margins, markdowns, and intake plans for the brand by analyzing historical data, future and market trends, and store expansion plans, to optimize profitability at minimum risk.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Retail, Store Planning, and Visual Merchandising and external stakeholders including consumers.
• Continuously monitor competitors’ activities, consumer needs, and buying behaviors.
• Manage department budgets ensuring expenditures remain within agreed limits.
• Maintain product availability throughout its lifecycle by timely managing re-buys and cancellations.
• Ensure a balanced product mix and implement effective exit policies.
• Determine departmental floor space requirements for various store grades to optimize product range presentation and returns per square foot.
• Conduct annual supplier performance evaluations alongside Quality Assurance and Buying teams.
• Coordinate with vendors and marketing teams for promotional initiatives.
• Follow up to recover any vendor dues arising from performance penalties, markdowns, or promotional contributions.
• Develop the skills of direct subordinates through training and coaching, managing individual performance to reach full potential.
• Assist the merchandiser with performance analysis, participate in regular reviews and presentations, and support the enhancement of merchandising processes and practices.

Qualifications and Education

Candidates should hold a Graduate or Diploma in Design/Apparel Merchandising, or an MBA in Marketing, Operations, or Finance. Degrees from institutions like NIFT (GMT/FD/Textile Design & Development) or Pearl Academy (IFTP) are also preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and adapt to the company culture and values.
• Understanding of business sales dynamics and profitability factors in the current market.
• Keen awareness of current and emerging market trends.
• Strong merchandising expertise to improve inventory turnover.
• Excellent analytical and commercial orientation.

Preferred Industries

Beauty, Garment, Retail, Export Houses, FMCG sectors.