JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Retail Merchandising Manager
Department
Directorate
Retail and Admissions
Visitor and Museum Services
Reports to
Buying and Merchandising Manager
Salary
£28,274 - £31,994
Duration
Permanent
Normal Working Hours
36 hours net
Person Specification Category
Business Support / Level 2
We are one of the world’s leading authorities on conflict and its impact on people’s lives – from 1914 through
to the present day and beyond. Our collections are filled with personal stories and experiences, inspiring
powerful and often conflicting emotions. We aim to share these stories with as many audiences as possible
across the world in a way that engages and challenges them, increasing understanding of why we go to war
and the effect that conflict has on people’s lives. In other words, we expect our stories to change the way
people think about war.
We rely on our staff to help us achieve this aspiration. You should be able to demonstrate the skills and
competencies set out below, but equally we are looking for people who believe in what we do and who we
are, and can treat every colleague, customer or visitor with respect, courtesy and honesty. We expect our
staff to work flexibly and with enthusiasm. These are the qualities that make IWM such an extraordinary
place to work.
Purpose of the Role
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Effectively manage the stock of all gift and printed products ensuring levels meet demand and maximise
sales. Monitor and forecast the sales and stock requirements of all lines, set branch stock replenishment
levels, oversee transfers process, and liaise with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
Manage the effective forecasting and reporting of Global and branch range planning and oversee
development of strategy required.
Manage and control the stock purchasing expenditure within budget
Organise the clearance of discontinued, seasonal and exhibition lines with minimal impact on sales and
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Monitor the pricing structure of all gift and printed lines and benchmark externally, make
recommendations
Manage the Merchandising Assistant and other supporting roles, to effectively support the
merchandising function within the department.
Manage corporate/ groups retail offers, promotions and processes for all branches.
Key duties
You will be expected to work independently as well as across different teams in order to contribute to and
deliver the priorities of IWM - using your knowledge, skills, talent and potential to the best of your ability.
April 2015
You will focus at all times on delivering excellent customer service, ensure value for money at all times while
being professional, courteous and demonstrating the behaviours and attributes expected of all IWM
employees. You will also adhere to all corporate standards, and use corporate systems as directed to
ensure consistency of service, brand and operational standards.
You will be expected to work across departments effectively, working with individuals, partners and where
appropriate volunteers.
To identify and implement learning and development needs for both yourself and your team, including
volunteers, if appropriate.
You will be expected to comply with corporate standards, and use corporate systems, processes and
procedures – and undertake any necessary training as directed.
In addition, your duties will include:
Stock Management
 Ensure all branches are adequately stocked with the right merchandise at all times alerting Buying
and Merchandising Manager and central team to any risks. Work closely with the on-line team to
maximise stock availability for the Online shop, and assist in promotional planning.
 Ensure stock holding is managed and, where not detrimental to sales, ensure on-going and year end
targets are met.
 Effectively transfer stock between branches to maximise sales and reduce stock holding. Plan the
stock transfer schedule and ensure replenishment from the Distribution Centre meets sales and
operational demands and both bestsellers and new lines reach branches as quickly as possible
 Work in conjunction with the System manager to monitor and resolve branch and warehouse stock
discrepancies
 Review weekly/monthly stock valuation reports take action as required keeping Buying and
Merchandising Manager and central team updated.
 Effectively manage fast and slow selling lines, planning for peak and non-peak trading patterns.
Schedule the clearance of discontinued, seasonal and exhibition lines with minimal impact on sales
and markdown
 Ensure that data on the EPOS system is kept updated at all times and report and resolve any
anomalies.
 Authorise branch write offs as appropriate and manage clearance write off budget. Escalate any
issues that should be addressed according to the write analysis.
Ordering and Forecasting
 Process repeat Purchase Orders within agreed authorisation limits ensuring stock is delivered at the
right time and in the right way to maximise sales and minimise costs. Progress outstanding orders
and part deliveries with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries
 Manage ‘IWM Merchandising spreadsheet’ ensuring all information is up to date including new lines,
min/max levels; pack Qty’s, MOR’s.
 Set up range and sub range forecasts, and SKU forecasts for each branch
 Work closely with the warehouse team ensuring issues are promptly managed with suppliers
 Send key suppliers forecasts for the coming year to ensure stock availability is maintained and
planned towards.
 Review supplier performance and pricing on an annual basis and negotiate where possible to
improve effective sales and working processes.
Budget control:
 Manage and control stock expenditure for Gift and Printed Product within budget maintaining
accurate systems. Conduct monthly reviews of year to date expenditure and open to buy.
 Set promotional and markdown budgets throughout the year as required.
Analysis
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Manage the performance of all ranges and seasonal ranges. Be proactive in providing data,
highlighting successes, opportunities and issues, making recommendations to resolve and review
sales performance at product and branch level and identify changes and patterns. Keep central
team and Buying and Merchandising Manager updated.
Set margin targets by range and sub range and review performance accordingly. Review branch sq
metre profit and sales performance to build stronger performance by branch.
Monitor overstocks and discontinued stock, reporting levels, sell through rates and suggested
solutions to Buying Team and Buying and Merchandising Manager.
Establish an effective range management package for central use as well as to guide branch teams.
Review range plan to highlight opportunities to reduce or expand ranging, liaise with the Buying
team using range reviews meetings effectively. Prepare and participate in range reviews
accordingly.
Prepare data and participate in department meetings and presentations
Review pricing structure on a frequent basis making recommendations to the Buying and
Merchandising Manager and Head of Retail and Admissions. Manage external benchmarking on an
annual basis to facilitate reviews of pricing alignment.
Manage the performance of temporary exhibition ranges post launch, and seasonal ranges. Be
proactive in providing data, highlighting successes, opportunities and issues, making
recommendations to resolve.
Plan promotional activity signing off with Buying and Merchandising Manager and Head of Retail
and Admissions. Manage implementation and monitor performance.
Communication
 Provide regular feedback to Buyers on product performance including sales, quality, availability and
supplier issues using Buying and Merchandising meetings as a key aspect of this.
 Liaise with DC Manager to process timely and accurate supplier returns, keeping Administrator
informed of expected credits.
 Collate and issue weekly branch “Actions and Info” report, providing branches with information and
timely responses
 Issue promotional guidelines, relevant updated POS and crib sheets for all new ranges/ products
and any changes as required.
 Develop a strong partnership with the central team meeting regularly to keep abreast of new lines
and product development plans
 Develop effective relationships with suppliers, meeting key suppliers with relevant buyers at all
opportunities as required.
 Encourage effective communication between shop and office teams
Managing Merchandising Assistant role
 Manage the role ensuring accountabilities and expectations are clear. Coordinate all projects and
keep abreast of all work in progress and future projects.
 Lead, manage and develop the Merchandising Assistant giving direction, guidance and support.
Ensure they are accountable whilst allowing some flexibility within the changing environment.
 Motivate and recognise achievement. Manage in a way that ensures inclusiveness and fosters team
spirit. Establish effective working practises and methodology that ensure consistency and joined up
working in the team
 Take the lead on implementing guidelines, procedures, polices to ensure the role works within
agreed parameters and IWM policy.
General
 Work with branches and Operations Manager to ensure a robust process for props and display
equipment is maintained. Ensuring that merchandise is presented to its best and strong controls are
maintained across all branches.
 Where appropriate attend trade shows and comparative shopping trips with buyers, to build supplier
relationships and extend knowledge
 Keep self up to date and ensure a high level of own product knowledge
 Work closely with the Retail and Admissions Systems Manager to ensure stocktake preparation is
carried out and assists with stocktaking
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To take on other related duties as and when reasonably required by Buying and Merchandising
Manager and the Head of Department
This job description is not all encompassing. Over time the emphasis of the job may change without
changing the general character of the job. Your duties may be reviewed from time to time and revised and
updated in consultation with you to reflect appropriate changes.
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Person Specification: Business Support / Level 2
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Essential Criteria
How this will be assessed
Educated to a GCSE level or equivalent
Two – three years merchandising or similar experience in
retail with a sound grasp of stock management
Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
Experience of working with a computerised stock system
Application Form
Application Form
Application Form Interview
Application Form
Key competencies
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Continuous Improvement
Takes a proactive approach to problem solving
Application Form and
Interview
Actively keeps up-to date with relevant changes and Application Form and
deals with unpredictable problems as they arise on a day- Interview
to-day basis, applying new learning all the time.
Results Drive
Pragmatic and focused approach that is objectives driven Interview
Has focused prioritisation skills and the ability to arrange Interview
one’s workload efficiently.
Effective problem solver with good administration and Interview
planning skills
A patient and calm manner that copes well with the Interview
variety and volume of workload
Follows through and ensures positive results are Application Form and
achieved.
Interview
7
Team working and Collaboration
Excellent collaboration skills and is able to contribute to Application and Interview
creating a productive working environment.
8
Remains patient, balanced and empathetic in interactions Interview
with colleagues
Provides high-quality and timely information for Interview
colleagues and suppliers.
Customer and Communications Skills
Excellent written, face-to-face and telephone skills
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Application Form and
Interview
Communicates fluently and concisely, with the ability to Interview
ask probing questions that elicit the correct information.
A relaxed and welcoming style that is open and assertive
Interview
Promoting Diversity
Recognises and values the benefits of diversity amongst Application Form and
staff and suppliers and tackles owns potential for bias
Interview
Financial Management
Highly numerate – possessing an overall high standard of Application Form and
financial understanding
Interview
An accurate working style, under-pinned by excellent Application Form and
attention to detail skills
Interview
Making the most of New Technology
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Constructs and meticulously maintains efficient record Interview
keeping systems
Works systematically with data and information systems
Application Form and
Interview
Desirable Criteria
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Experience of working on a shop floor
Application Form and
Interview
Has a full understanding of IWM’s business, terms of Interview
reference, and values knowledge and understanding of
the IWM’s subject matter and is able to demonstrate
commitment to the IWM’s aims and objectives.
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Additional Information
Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and IWM reserves the right, with due notice, to vary or withdraw
them at any time. All such benefits apply during the course of your employment only.
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The annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum plus public holidays rising to 30 days after 5 years
IWM is a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Employer pension contributions to the civil
service pension scheme vary but are normally between 16.7% - 24.3% dependent on salary and length
of service.
An interest free season ticket loan scheme after three months service.
20% discount in IWM’s shops.
25% discount in IWM’s cafes.
Free entry to the majority of Airshows at IWM Duxford.
Free entry to most fee charging exhibitions in other National Museums.
Continuous professional Training and Development opportunities.
Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits linked to length of service.
Child care vouchers
IWM staff are entitled to membership of the Benenden Healthcare Society (subject to their terms and
conditions.
IWM staff also have access to The Charity for Civil Servants.
Ride 2 Work Scheme
Selection
The candidates who appear from their application to best meet the essential criteria will be invited to
interview. It is thus essential that your application form gives a full but concise description of the nature,
extent and level of the responsibilities you have held. The short listing criteria are detailed under the
personal specification. Please ensure that you address each of the areas that are to be assessed on your
application form. Applications by CV only will not be accepted.
To Apply
Please visit our website www.iwm.org.uk
The closing date for receipt of applications is noon Friday 09 October 2015
We regret that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date your application, in this
instance, has been unsuccessful.
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities
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