What does a merchandiser do?
A crucial asset in the retail industry, merchandisers ensure that the commodities are available at the right place on a timely basis – to boost the sales and profits of a firm.
Merchandiser roles and responsibilities involve closely monitoring consumer demand patterns and market trends to determine which products will likely be in high demand. Drawing from their insights and analysis, they curate a selection of products for in-store or online sales, leveraging their negotiation skills to secure favourable prices and terms from suppliers.
With a keen eye for detail and knowledge of market trends, a merchandiser can help the company stay ahead of the competition by:
- identifying new opportunities,
- managing inventory levels, and
- collaborating with other departments to develop effective marketing strategies.
By hiring a merchandiser, the company can streamline their operations, improve its bottom line and ensure its products are presented to potential customers in the best possible light.
Job Description: Template
We have an exciting opportunity for a results-driven and experienced merchandiser to join our team at [Company XYZ].
As a merchandiser, you will be expected to leverage your knowledge and skills to fulfil various roles and responsibilities, such as forecasting sales, analysing trends, selecting products, negotiating prices and managing inventory.
If you are a proven performer in the field of merchandising, we would be thrilled to welcome you to our firm! You can enjoy the exposure of working with a dynamic team of experts – passionate about delivering high-quality products and services to our customers. You will also have the autonomy to take ownership of your role and the freedom to implement new ideas and strategies to drive sales and improve customer satisfaction.
By joining our team, you will access various benefits, including competitive compensation, comprehensive healthcare coverage and the opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Objectives of the role
- Planning and managing inventory levels to ensure adequate stock availability.
- Collaborating with marketing teams to develop effective product promotions and campaigns.
- Coordinating with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of products to stores.
- Analysing customer feedback and sales data to identify product improvements and new product development opportunities.
- Participating in product development meetings to provide inputs for product design, pricing and packaging strategies.
Your tasks
- Creating and maintaining product catalogues and databases.
- Communicating with suppliers to negotiate prices, delivery times and product quality.
- Preparing purchase orders and tracking deliveries to ensure timely receipt of products.
- Analysing and reporting on sales data to identify opportunities for product optimisation and pricing adjustments.
- Developing pricing strategies and monitoring price changes in the market.
- Conducting regular store visits to monitor product displays and inventory levels.
Required skills and qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Merchandising, Fashion Design or a related field.
- 2–5 years of experience in merchandising, preferably in the fashion or retail industry.
- Experience in cost analysis, pricing and profitability management.
- Familiarity with export/import regulations and procedures.
- Understanding of quality control procedures and standards.
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Knowledge of supply chain management, inventory control and procurement.
- Experience in vendor management and supplier relationship management.
- Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
