Assistant Merchandiser

Job title: Product Merchandiser Assistant – Outdoor

Function: Product Merchandising

Location: Sunderland

The role:

With direction and support from the Product Merchandiser for Outdoor you will support the build, selection, forecast, and delivery of a strong range for our Berghaus brand across our outdoor account base which includes priority customers such as JDO, our Outdoor Independent business and the DACH region.

You will be working cross functionally to make sure we have the right product, right time in context of our customer and consumer needs. Always looking at the world through a data driven lens to ensure we are clear on expectation, drive productivity and support our ambitious market plans.

About the Brand:

Founded by two friends, Peter Lockey & Gordon Davidson, Berghaus is one of Europe's original outdoor brands.

Since 1966, we have been on a mission to get more people outside because we believe the best of life is lived outside.

Our brand purpose guides us to ensure absolutely nothing stands in the way of someone experiencing all the awe and wonder of the outdoors. And when something does, we'll challenge it to make it right. Because, after all, the outdoors belongs to every one of us.

Berghaus is one of those rare brands: A pioneer in what we do. For over 50 years, we've been making great value, durable kit that gets you out and keeps you out. We're fortunate enough to look back on a rich history of innovations that have not only steered us into market-leading positions but have fundamentally changed the category for the better.

Yet despite this heritage, we have been quiet for the last few years. In fact, we would go as far as saying we lost our way a bit. But that's all about to change. Our guiding mandate right now is to put this brand rightfully back on the outdoors map and reclaim our status as one of the originals.

We're getting closer to consumers to create products that will be talked about, reconstructing how the brand shows up, showcasing our ranges like never before, and collaborating in new and original ways.

To propel us forward, we're looking for the best talent to join our journey to transform one of the world's most iconic outdoor brands by putting the Berghaus back into Berghaus.

About Pentland:

Pioneering Brands that Make Life Better

Berghaus is part of the Pentland Brands Group, the name behind some of the world’s best sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands. As well we all as Berghaus, we own Speedo, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, Mitre, ellesse, SeaVees, KangaROOS and Red or Dead. We’re the UK licensee for Kickers and have a joint venture with Lacoste footwear. We believe in doing business ethically, caring for our planet and our people, and that success is a team game.

To find out more go to www.pentland.com or follow @pentlandbrands on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

The role you’d play:

• Through data and insight support the Product Merchandiser and Head of Product Merchandising in building the range architecture for the Berghaus outdoor range that balances the need for Core, NPD, SMU and Exclusives across multiple channels and markets whilst staying true to our brand DNA and brand initiatives
• Create line plans which capture sell in expectation by channel, market and priority customer(s)
• Help drive the lessons learnt process by analysing sell in / through results vs. expectation and explaining reasons for key variances by franchise, style or individual SCO. Ensure that key findings support future range build
• Support the creation and tracking of SMU and Exclusive briefs which delivery to target including sales, margin and MOQ
• Monitor the success of the product line vs. expectation and ensure that we make data led decisions on phasing out or replacing SCO
• Work with the commercial teams on forming range architecture and intake plans which highlight key product needs per type, drop and price point
• Support on competitor pricing and trend analysis
• Ensure on-time delivery through supporting the achievement of merchandising milestones within the critical path, ensuring any issues are resolved or raised where appropriate.
• Support the population / maintenance of key tools or systems such as PLM
• Collaborate on ad-hoc projects or analysis

What you will bring:

• High numeracy levels with a keen eye for detail.
• Can influence with a positive and proactive attitude
• Can demonstrate sound decision-making based on intuition and judgement
• Effective communication and excellent collaborator, confident dealing with colleagues at all levels including management

Effective time management, organisation, and prioritisation skills

• Previous experience within merchandising at Merchandiser level
• Use of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Highly analytical with strong (advanced) excel skills and a data driven approach
• Commercially aware to maximise sales and profit opportunities
• Able to be hands-on and self-motivated with the ability to meet deadlines
• Experience through an outdoor lens would be an advantage

If this sounds like the perfect role, please apply and we’ll be in touch soon.