• £80,000 DOE
• London

This leading FMCG brand is looking for a new Head of Merchandising to lead their team - you will play a critical role in ensuring the company’s products are always available on the shelves of key retail partners, while carefully managing stock levels to maximise revenue and profitability.

This is a leadership position where you will oversee a team responsible for forecasting, stock management, and collaborating closely with supply chain and sales teams. Your strategic insights and proactive problem-solving will help drive the company’s continued success in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and empower the Merchandising Team to deliver outstanding service to grocery customers.
• Ensure optimal on-shelf availability for both seasonal and regular product lines while managing stock levels across warehouses, retailers, and factories.
• Provide mentorship to the team, guiding them in forecasting, stock planning, and overcoming logistical challenges.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, manage quarterly goals, and ensure alignment with the company’s growth strategy.
• Cover key accounts during holidays or absences, ensuring continuity in service.

Forecasting and Planning

• Oversee the implementation of best practice forecasting methodologies and develop tools to enhance the team’s capabilities.
• Lead daily and monthly meetings focused on forecasting, sales performance, and stockholding.
• Monitor critical path deadlines for product setup, shipment bookings, and seasonal event preparations.
• Collaborate with other internal teams to ensure they have the information needed to support merchandising efforts.

Customer Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior contacts in grocery retailers’ merchandising teams.
• Ensure the team meets and exceeds performance KPIs outlined by key customers and conduct quarterly reviews to assess performance
• Lead retrospectives after each season to drive continuous improvement in merchandising processes.

Performance Analysis

• Work closely with the sales team to analyse in-store sales data, providing insights that inform range and distribution strategies.
• Review and improve forecast accuracy to enhance on-shelf availability and manage stock levels effectively.
• Encourage site visits to stores, allowing the team to observe displays, identify opportunities, and spot gaps.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years in a merchandising or customer supply chain role, with a focus on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
• Proven experience of working for, or managing UK grocery customers and handling international shipping/logistics.
• At least 3 years of team leadership experience, with a track record of driving performance and development.
• Strong proficiency in tools like Excel, ERP systems, and project management platforms.
• Highly organised, resourceful, and able to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive problem solver with a creative, can-do attitude.
• Highly numerate and data-literate, with a knack for turning insights into actionable strategies.
• A natural leader who can inspire and guide a team to achieve outstanding results.