Junior Merchandiser

Are you a commercially minded merchandising professional who thrives on turning data into actionable trading strategies? Profiles Creative is seeking a proactive Junior Merchandiser / Planner to join a vibrant retail environment on a full-time, 3-month fixed-term contract. Based on-site in Essex, you will step into a collaborative, fast-paced team at an exciting period of growth marked by new store openings and active systems development. In this role, you will take ownership of day-to-day commercial planning, ensuring stock is in the right place at the right time to drive retail performance from day one. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive day-to-day commercial planning by managing weekly stock, sales, and intake forecasts (WSSI).
• Monitor and support Open to Buy (OTB) budgets and align inventory with seasonal planning targets.
• Conduct detailed trading analysis on sales, margins, and stock levels to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Build range plans, coordinate replenishment schedules, and oversee product allocations to support direct-to-consumer demand.
• Coordinate stock packages and logistics for new store openings while managing tactical markdowns and promotions.
• Liaise cross-functionally with merchandising colleagues, store branches, and warehouse teams to ensure seamless operational flow.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in retail merchandising or merchandise planning.
• Proven expertise in WSSI management, stock forecasting, and commercial sales forecasting.
• Confident working knowledge of Open to Buy (OTB) budgets and seasonal intake planning.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities, including spreadsheet modelling, Pivot Tables, and VLOOKUPs.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in margin analysis, trading performance reporting, and stock allocation.

Nice-to-have

• Previous merchandising experience within the fashion, apparel, or lifestyle retail sectors.
• Experience operating in a multichannel retail environment, including direct-to-consumer (DTC), physical retail branches, and outlet stores.

What We Offer / Why Join

This contract provides an immediate platform to bring your analytical strengths to a fast-moving, hands-on environment. Working on-site with the team at Profiles Creative in Essex, you will have direct exposure to pivotal operational developments, supporting physical store openings and commercial systems as they happen. It is an ideal assignment for an adaptable merchandiser looking to make an immediate, tangible impact on stock optimisation, seasonal trading, and brand growth. If you are ready to hit the ground running, apply today!