Category Merchandiser

Wickes are a digitally led, service enabled organisation with a project in every home.

We are thrilled to be recruiting a Category Merchandiser position to join our team in Support Centre in Watford.

The aim is to see that the most effective/profitable use is made of retail space by working cross functionally with internal/external departments/suppliers to create/oversee the development of accurate, safe and practical Planograms. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Planograms: To work cooperatively within the Senior Category Merchandiser and Commercial Category teams to produce Planograms necessary for the introduction/ranging of new products, deletion of existing products, re-packaged ranges and in general merchandising improvements - ensuring that they are accurate, practical and in accordance with Merchandising Principles, Wickes’ space allocation matrix/strategy.

• Health & Safety: to ensure that the Merchandising Health & Safety policy is applied to all Planograms that are created. Responsible for creating H&S approval on new Merchandising concepts and produce risk assessments when required.

• Ranging Reports and Charts: to provide as part of the range review process, with recommendations at the product level to ensure that informed commercial decisions can be had regarding space allocation, working proactively and cooperatively with the Commercial Category Teams.

• Racking and Equipment Design: to develop and innovate new racking/equipment enabling more effective or safe product display, working cross-functionally and cooperatively in conjunction with the Senior Category Merchandiser, to include input from the Head of Merchandising Space Planning, Buyers, Brand Design, Suppliers and Operations. 

• Planogram Integrity and Testing: to physically test completed Planograms prior to publication, either in a test environment or live store environment. To include provision of on-site support for new stores, new formats, re-merchandising exercises and range review follow-up and implementation evaluation in stores.

• Communication:  working with the Senior Category Merchandiser, take responsibility for coordination cross functionally communication of projects progress and Planogram/ranging changes to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that any store activity is within pre-agreed store workload parameters.

• Promotional Activity: to manage and compile Planogram packs for promotional programmes, whilst advising of any potential problems or opportunities.

• New Stores and Refits: to provide Planogram packs, equipment profiles and stock fill information to the appropriate functions.

What are we looking for?

• ‘A’ level standard of education in a design orientated subject

• Minimum of GCSE standard in English and Maths

• 2 years of operational experience in a multi site retailer

• Good working knowledge of modern space planning/merchandising software packages (Intactix CKB, Space Planning and Floor Planning)

• Basic knowledge of the CAD planning software package

• Very good sense of spatial awareness and 3D observational skills

• Good competency with spreadsheet and database software packages - ability to import and export data into other software packages

• Ability to communicate well with colleagues at all levels, and present ideas/data and proposals to cross-functional groups, with the ability to influence peers

• Good understanding of the dynamics of Wickes product categories

• Good working knowledge of practical merchandising and promotional techniques, with an understanding of consumer shopping behaviour

• Good quality planning and organisational skills

What can we offer you?