Merchandiser - Sports

Role Summary

The Merchandiser plays a hands-on role in executing the merchandising strategy for the Sports division, focusing on stock flow, distribution, and inventory productivity across the store network. The role ensures the right products, quantities, and sizes are available in the right stores at the right time to optimize sell-through, profitability, and space utilization. Working closely with Buying, Allocation, Supply Chain, and Store Operations, the Merchandiser delivers day-to-day operational excellence in stock management, assortment execution, and performance tracking.

Role Responsibilities

Stock & Inventory Execution

• Execute the delivery of stock in line with agreed timelines and launch dates, coordinating daily with supply chain teams

• Manage and track inbound stock, ensuring timely delivery to hit seasonal launches

• Refill stores and manage inter-store transfers daily to maximize sales opportunities as per defined inventory KPIs

• Monitor size-level availability and take immediate action to protect top doors from overstock or size fragmentation

• Scan global inventory daily and issue replenishment orders where there are stock opportunities

• Manage aging inventory and execute movement to factory outlet to optimize liquidation

• Deliver the correct assortment for new store openings in line with the range plan shared by the buying team

Sales & Performance Tracking

• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly sales and stock data by product, store, and territory to drive immediate action

• Lead weekly and monthly reviews with the Category Planner and Buyers to highlight sales trends, issues, and corrective actions

• Define and track WOS KPIs by store and category to optimize inventory versus sales

• Forecast and secure inventory levels ahead of key commercial periods (launches, sales, and events)

Pre-Buying

• Provide detailed sell-through and rate-of-sale (ROS) insights by country and store level

• Support seasonal post-mortems with data and actionable recommendations

• Grade stores and networks by category to drive allocation priorities

Team & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Guide Allocators with clear action plans and stock priorities

• Conduct regular store visits to review assortment, collect feedback, and ensure execution matches strategy

• Collaborate with Store Operations to identify opportunities to improve sell-through and customer satisfaction

Reporting & Business Support

• Prepare timely, actionable reports with insights and recommendations for the Category Manager

• Support the preparation of product range plans and distribution plans with data-backed decisions

• Propose solutions and drive business growth opportunities based on on-ground findings

People Management

• Set clear objectives and performance targets in collaboration with team members, aligned with organizational goals

• Mentor, guide, and provide direction to the team to build skills, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement

• Apply structured performance management practices to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and drive the team towards periodic KPIs

Technical / Functional Competencies

• Strong execution and follow-through, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time

• High attention to detail and data accuracy when working with store, SKU, and size-level information

• Ability to act quickly on data insights to drive trading actions

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Proficiency in merchandising systems, data reporting, and Microsoft Excel

Experience / Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Business; a degree in Retail Management is preferred

• Postgraduate qualification is advantageous

• 4 years of experience in merchandising roles

• Experience in the sports retail industry

• Experience in inventory management

• Strong written communication skills

• Certifications (advantageous): Certified Retail Merchandiser, Advanced Excel Certificate, SAP ERP Certification, Data Analysis Certificate, Project Management Certificate