Head of Merchandising

Role overview

Emma Bridgewater is seeking a Head of Merchandising to join the business in London Kings Cross on a full-time, permanent basis. The company is known for its handcrafted pottery made in Stoke-on-Trent and an expanding lifestyle range, with a focus on creating products that customers return to again and again.

The organisation values Care, Energy, Togetherness and Curiosity, and is looking for a merchandising leader who can strengthen the commercial strategy and support the next stage of growth.

What the role involves

You will oversee the merchandising function, leading Merchandisers and Assistant Merchandisers while setting and delivering the commercial merchandising plan across all product categories and sales channels. The goal is to ensure the business has the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time to support profitable growth.

The role is highly cross-functional and requires close partnership with Product, Design, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Production Planning.

• Set the merchandising direction for Pottery, Personalised and Lifestyle ranges.
• Build seasonal commercial model lines to inform future collections.
• Manage forecasting, WSSI, Open-to-Buy and inventory planning across Retail, Ecommerce, Wholesale and International channels.
• Use commercial analysis to improve sales, stock performance, margin and profitability.
• Share trading insights and strategic recommendations with senior leaders.
• Improve merchandising processes, systems and reporting on an ongoing basis.

What the business is looking for

The ideal candidate will bring substantial merchandising leadership experience from retail, consumer goods or FMCG, with a background at Head of Merchandising or Senior Merchandising Manager level and a history of driving commercial improvement.

You should be an experienced people manager who has successfully developed strong merchandising teams and created a supportive, collaborative working culture.

Strong capability in WSSI, forecasting, Open-to-Buy, sales planning and stock planning is essential, along with the ability to use data and commercial judgement to support profitable decisions.

The role also requires someone who can influence across Product, Design, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Production, bringing different teams together around a single commercial plan.

• Commercially sharp with strong financial understanding.
• Highly analytical, with advanced Excel and data interpretation skills.
• Clear communicator who can build trust and influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive, collaborative and committed to continuous improvement.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving and evolving retail environment.

Why join Emma Bridgewater

This is an opportunity to work for an iconic British brand where creativity, craftsmanship and commercial thinking come together. You will help shape the future of the business, work with talented colleagues across the organisation and contribute directly to continued growth.

Applications are welcome from experienced merchandising leaders who are looking for a new challenge and want to help create products that brighten everyday life.