Head of Merchandising (Maternity Cover) Jan 2026 12 months

We’re a fast-growing, multi-channel brand business, selling direct-to-consumer and via wholesale partners worldwide. We’re looking for an experienced Head of Merchandising to join us on a 12-month maternity cover and keep our trading and stock performance on track.

In this role, you will:

• Lead our merchandising function across eCommerce & wholesale channels
• Deliver seasonal range plans, pricing, and promotions to hit sales and margin targets
• Manage forecasting, WSSI, and stock allocation to optimise sell-through
• Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales to deliver impactful product launches and campaigns
• Lead and develop a talented merchandising team
• Work in partnership with CFO & CEO to deliver a strategy which increases profitability in every area of the business
• Improve processes & increase efficiency

You’ll bring:

• Proven senior merchandising experience (ideally in eCommerce & wholesale)
• Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision making
• Hands-on leadership skills and the ability to hit the ground running
• Advanced Excel and merchandising system skills
• A positive attitude

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Trading Strategy

• Execute and refine the merchandising strategy across DTC (eCommerce) and wholesale channels for the duration of the contract
• Deliver seasonal range architecture, pricing, and promotional plans to achieve revenue, margin, and sell-through targets
• Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales teams to align product launches, campaigns, and key trading moments
• Prepare & present monthly Board Packs
• Prepare & present sign offs for collections
  

Stock & Inventory Management

• Manage forecasting, demand planning, and WSSI across all sales channels.
• Maintain optimal stock levels—balancing availability with cashflow and sell-through targets.
• Oversee stock allocation between channels to maximise margin and minimise mark-downs.
• Drive projects for efficiency: EG Warehouse/ PO tools/ OPO/ PowerBI

 Range Planning & Product Lifecycle

• Deliver the seasonal range plan, working with Design/Buying to ensure assortments are commercially viable.
• Analyse category and SKU-level performance, making in-season adjustments to maximise sales.
• Manage end-of-life and clearance strategies.
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and support the merchandising team, ensuring continuity of processes and performance [Ecom Merchandiser, WS Merchandiser,WS MAA, Senior Power BI Lead]
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain alignment and trading agility
• Work in partnership with Head of Buying, Head of Wholesale & CFO

Data & Insights

• Produce weekly/monthly trading reports and range performance reviews.
• Use analytics and customer data to inform decision making.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to adapt plans as needed.

Essential:

• Proven track record in a senior merchandising role, ideally within eCommerce and wholesale environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering sales growth and margin improvement.
• Highly competent in WSSI, forecasting, and range planning.
• Skilled in managing multi-channel stock flows, including wholesale allocation and replenishment.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• High proficiency in Excel and merchandising systems (ERP, OMS, BI tools).

Desirable:

• Experience in fashion, lifestyle, or consumer goods sectors.
• International wholesale and eCommerce knowledge.
• Understanding of product development cycles in a brand-led business.
  
  Attributes & Cultural Fit
• Commercially driven, results-focused, and adaptable.
• Confident working in a fast-paced, fixed-term capacity where immediate impact is key.
• Strong communicator and collaborator across departments and external partners.
• Balances commercial goals with brand and product vision.

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Free Parking
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office