Junior Merchandiser

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and driven Junior Merchandiser who is looking to develop their career within a fast-paced commercial environment. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to progress and take ownership of customer accounts while supporting the successful delivery of orders from confirmation through to shipment.

The Junior Merchandiser is responsible for ensuring the smooth progression of orders through effective critical path management, account coordination, and cross-functional communication. The role combines operational excellence with commercial awareness, supporting the Sales Managers and wider business in achieving both sales growth and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for allocated customer accounts, building strong relationships with Buying, Merchandising, and Logistics teams.
• Maintain regular communication with customers, ensuring a high level of service and timely updates throughout the order lifecycle.
• Develop trusted relationships that support long-term customer satisfaction and business growth.

• Lead internal Critical Path meetings, ensuring all departments, including Design, Production, and Factory Merchandising, are aligned on order status, priorities, and potential risks.
• Prepare thoroughly for Critical Path meetings by gathering key updates and highlighting any issues requiring action.
• Ensure all customer updates and changes are communicated promptly to Sales Managers and relevant internal teams.

• Manage the order process from confirmation through to delivery, ensuring all orders are accurately entered, tracked, and progressed in line with agreed deadlines.
• Monitor the Critical Path to ensure key milestones are achieved and proactively resolve any issues that may impact delivery.
• Work closely with internal departments to maintain on-time delivery and service standards.

• Support Sales Managers with commercial planning activities, including sales forecasting, range analysis, and reporting.
• Assist in identifying sales opportunities through analysis of customer performance and product trends.

• Support the Factory Merchandising team with the day-to-day management of customer orders.
• Raise contracts on Sage.
• Receive customer purchase orders and convert stock contracts into active production orders.
• Manage the progression of each contract through the Critical Path process, ensuring all handover dates are achieved.
• Attend weekly Critical Path meetings.
• Order customer-specific trims and packaging, including RFID labels, holograms, swing tickets, and other branded components.
• Receive and check packing lists and supplier invoices before submitting documentation to the Finance team.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information within Sage.
• Attend internal customer review meetings to communicate key delivery dates and order updates.
• Conduct weekly Forward Order reviews to ensure data accuracy and identify any discrepancies.

Skills & Experience

• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Good commercial awareness and an analytical approach to problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience using Sage or a similar ERP system is desirable.
• Previous merchandising, account management, or supply chain experience is advantageous but not essential.
• A proactive, positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.