James Howarth Email & Phone Number

Welwyn Garden City

Welwyn Garden City

Delivery of the financial KPI's of the Merchandise Plan. Supporting the department strategy and preparing Sales, Stock and Profit Plans. In conjunction with the Buying Manager, ensuring product ranges deliver clear statements and improve return on space. Leading a team who manage the day to day trading and setting department targets to drive improvements..

• Analyse stock levels and provide replenishment to suppliers to maximise availability and maintain stock levels within the DIY and Garden category. This category has 2.5k lines and an annual turnover of £250m+
• Importing stock from several suppliers based overseas and ensuring a constant supply of stock though good communication, accurate forecasts and clear tracking.
• To maintain, monitor and analyse accurate forecasts for the business and suppliers taking into account seasonality, promotions and periods of insufficient supply.
• To act on service level reports and discuss potential improvements for implementation with suppliers.
• Implementing promotional activities and range changes including monitoring of sales against forecast, ensuring full availability and ensuring that stock is available on time for allocations.

• Accountable for all aspects of stock in the cosmetics department and ensuring that all objectives are met.
• Maintaining accuracy of line level sales forecasts and ordering in line with forecast.
• Forward planning stock intake in line with agreed sales forecasts with suppliers and the buying department.
• Managing new brand and line introductions with suppliers and buyers to cover shelf fill and expected sales.
• Managing discontinued lines through effective stock run down plans.
• Managing promotional stock intake while challenging suppliers expected uplifts.