Merchandiser – Job Description

  
Merchandiser – Job Description

Learn more about becoming a Merchandiser in the UK.

Main Duties

A merchandiser has to make sure that products are in stores at the right time and in the right amounts. This may seem just like stock taking, but there is more to it as they have to forecast trends in the future and monitor sales and plan based on this. They will work with the buyer deciding on budgets and how many and what lines are bought.

This is a key role in retail as it can massively affect profits. They have to set the right prices to encourage sales but to maximise income. This is therefore a responsible role and could be stressful if things do not turn out as expected.

They will also deal with suppliers and receive stock ensuring it gets distributed correctly. A merchandiser may also be responsible for planning store layouts and working with display staff to put goods in the correct places to encourage sales.

Working hours would normally be 9-5 Monday to Friday although weekend and evening work may occasionally be necessary. Work is mainly office based although there may be some travel to visit stores, suppliers or trade fairs. Work tends to be at a head office which is likely to be in a large city or town. Part-time work or temporary work is unlikely.

Expected Salary

Salaries tend to start at £18,000 and can rise to £36,000 with experience.

Pros

Good salary expectations.
Exciting and variable work.
Responsible position which could lead to other exciting roles.

Cons

High pressure to increase profits.
A lot of responsibility and so likelihood of stress.
Will need to make unbiased decisions perhaps on the spur of the moment.

Qualifications Required

A degree is necessary and subject is not that important although accountancy, finance, economics, retail management, maths, marketing, business and IT are likely to be more favourable.

An HND may be enough but normally in business, management, operations management, finance or accountancy.

Although not normally necessary, it is possible to get post graduate qualifications in merchandising.

Required Skills
Ability to work under pressureBeing able to work as part of a teamGood arithmetic skills for budget planningGood IT skillsPresentation skills, to report back to senior managersGood knowledge of the retail tradeGood communication skillsClear headed and decisiveCreative with some idea of good design and layouts