Merchandiser - Toy, Nursery & Gifting (Maternity Cover)

Your role in the JoJo story…

Do you dream of a role where you can take ownership of planning and trading of the Toys, Nursery and Gifting department, with the objective of maximising sales and profit whilst minimising risk. If so, then we have the perfect role for you.

At JoJo we’re on the lookout for a Merchandiser

You will oversee and be responsible for successful planning and trading within the agreed business strategy, ensuring that all necessary frameworks and controls are in situ to maximise performance. You will ensure that all relevant stakeholders have accurate data which can directly, pro-actively and consistently inform decisions relating to maximising profitability and contributing to overall business strategy and growth. You will work in partnership with the Buying Teams, and have the support of an Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandising Assistant

A peek into your daily adventures

Planning of Department:

• Developing a strong merchandising strategy to optimise growth and maximise sales opportunities.
• Drive the planning and forecasting of product category budgets, option and range planning, and depth of buy based on the overall business and financial goals of the company, whilst managing KPIs.
• Work closely with the buying team to build a credible and balanced range, utilising lessons learned and presenting a robust rationale for range sign-offs
• Fully prepare for and lead seasonal range sign-off meetings, presenting to company Directors. Range planning across all business channels, ensuring a commercial range is planned and delivered each season.
• Plan and manage the OTB to meet sales targets and control stock holdings.
• Continuously review the performance within the product range and make suggestions with the buying team for stock, sales, and margin improvements
• Work alongside the JoJo B2B team ensuring, balancing the range to help accommodate and develop new business partners whilst also ensuring stock availability for own buy channels.

Department Trading / Operations:

• Take ownership of, and manage stocks and sales, using appropriate Merchandising tools such as WSSI and Range Planner, to ensure that each area is effectively and accurately forecast, and stock managed appropriately.
• Deliver key information at the right time, to the right people, presenting sales information in an informative and engaging way.
• Analyse and report sales while tracking key market trends, identifying new opportunities, and suggesting changes when needed.
• Ensure in depth analysis of promotions and trading activity is completed and communicated to the correct audience to draw lessons learned and forward strategies – lead weekly trading meetings ensuring appropriate actions are carried out by yourself and your teams.
• Enhance store grading/profiling/ranging within the department to optimise the range selection on a store-by-store basis, maintaining stock control in stores as well as delivering sales growth.
• Providing top line views for the department, ensuring that plans at a divisional level are coherent and are in line with company strategies, communicating any relevant insight as and when needed.
• Managing markdown spend, stock and margin during sale events.

Other:

• Manage and develop junior team members, in particular your Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandising Admin Asistant, offering training where required to improve their knowledge and understanding, and developing their merchandising skill set.
• Work closely with the wider merchandising team to ensure consistency in reporting and communication of information. Share your knowledge and experience with all Junior team members, taking the lead on wider Merchandising tasks as required

Competencies we look for:

• Brand Ambassador.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Work as part of a team.
• Communication champion.
• Take ownership and be proactive.
• Problem Solver & Decision Maker.

Skills we require for the role:

• Established Merchandiser with a high level of problem-solving skills – an ability to overcome issues, propose solutions and make commercial decisions.
• Strong team player with a diligent work ethic, able to prioritise and multi-task.
• Previous experience in sales and stock forecasting, stock management and range planning
• Highly analytical and numerate – ability to interpret information and draw insight.
• Ability to work closely with and influence at all levels within the business, across various departments, building cross functional relationships.
• Pro-active and able to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage and develop a team, self-motivated and team oriented, able to build strong working relationships.
• Forward thinking and able to plan ahead, following actions through to completion.
• Advanced Excel skills, experience with Merchandising planning systems a plus

Perks and Benefits:

• Hybrid working – 3 days in our JoJo House (our JoJo House is located in Battersea, 10 min walking distance from Battersea Power Station and 2 min from Queenstown Road)
• Flexible start and finish time – office core hours are between 10:00 and 16:30
• Extra day of annual leave for each year you’re with us, up to 38 days (inc. Bank Holidays).
• Is it your birthday? Take it off and celebrate with a bonus annual leave day!
• Want to increase your holiday allowance? Holiday buying scheme.
• Helping plan for the future – enhanced pension scheme.
• Get on the move – cycle to work scheme.
• Financial wellbeing app – pay yourself 40% of your earned wages whenever you want.
• Saving scheme with Smart Money Cymru – You do not need to live in Wales!
• Enhanced family leave.
• Flexible work options.
• Enjoy fabulous social events.
• Give back with volunteer days to support our communities.
• Prioritise your well-being with our Health and Wellbeing hub.
• Specsavers voucher – Get a free sight test and contribution towards glasses (T & C’s) apply.
• We love our products! Get 40% off JoJo branded lines
• Embrace an “It’s up to you” learning environment with ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Your furry friend doesn’t have to stay at home – our offices are dog friendly for friendly pooches.

Want to know more about JoJo?

We make happy and helpful clothes and products that let children be children – in all their silly, messy, adventurous, noisy, imaginative joy. But we’re not just about selling products; we’re about creating a warm, community-centric environment for our employees and our customers. From over 50 locations across the UK and Ireland and a thriving e-commerce platform, we offer a meticulously designed collection of children’s clothing, toys, and essentials designed with love and care: always with children at the forefront of our minds.

As a B Corp, our commitment goes beyond commerce, we strive for a sustainable future and take pride in our responsibilities to the planet and our communities. At JoJo, every role, every task and every day is an opportunity to support, inspire and contribute to the well-being of our teams and our customers.

We embrace and openly welcome people from different cultures, perspectives, and experiences to create a diverse and enriched environment. We work hard to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people, regardless of background to make sure we grow our company sustainably and with different cultural influences. By encouraging a diverse and inclusive workforce, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.