Merchandiser - Toys

In a nutshell

To manage the Global Sourcing activities for the category, ensuring alignment with business objectives. The role focuses on supplier management, cost negotiation, product development, and timely delivery to support sales and margin targets.

What I am accountable for 

• As part of the “Action Squad” to support Senior Merchandiser to deliver priorities for the week.

• Manage day to day sourcing priorities for my area: Supplier Management, Cost of Goods,

• Availability, Product Development, Quality, Factory standards.

• Support the development and execution of seasonal buying strategies.

• Negotiate costs and terms with suppliers to achieve margin targets.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Global Technical, Ethical and Supply

• Chain to ensure compliance and smooth operations.

• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues proactively.

• Know my suppliers inside-out. Being able to know the strength and weaknesses of the factories.

• Contribute to range planning, promotional activities, product innovation, seasonal sourcing strategies and cost of goods overview by developing sourcing intents

• Ensure adherence to ethical sourcing and sustainability standards (and roadmap)

• Provide guidance and support to Assistant Merchandisers.

What I need to know 

Essential

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Experience in merchandising or sourcing, preferably in hard goods.
• Strong cost negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and merchandising systems.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Desirable 

• Experience with UK or international retailers.

• Familiar with system related to supply chain and product life cycle

• Understanding of product development and sourcing processes.

• Knowledge of sustainability and compliance standards in retail

What I need to show

Our Valued Behaviours are our common DNA that every colleague should live by and provide the benchmark for how we deliver our goals/individual contribution, and how we relate to other colleagues in the organisation.

• Own it

  • Deliver a wide range of tasks, and take ownership for solving problems that you identify

  • Actively share your thoughts and are prepared to challenge others in a positive way

  • Use business context and other information sources to make decisions 

  • Regularly review your goals with your line manager

• Make it better 

  • Open minded and try new ways of doing things, making things simpler where possible 

  • Adaptable and respond positively when circumstances change 

  • Show curiosity about the business beyond your immediate role

  • Seek feedback from those you work with and understand your strengths and development areas

  • Provide regular fair and accurate feedback to others 

• Be human 

  • Ask questions to understand where others are coming from. Show care and respect for how others are feeling and provide support to those around you

  • Listen and ask questions about the needs and motivations of others to build effective relationships

  • Regularly gather customer feedback and use this insight to continuously improve the customer experience

From fragrance to car care, clothing and pots and pans, our Sourcing Team delivers all the non-food items for our Sainsbury’s, Habitat and Argos customers in the UK. This multi-brand environment means you get to work across most areas. You can also be a pioneer, because the team believes in being brave, iterating and learning as they go. Working with colleagues globally, you’ll develop deep connections to other departments, which opens up a lot of different career opportunities for you.

We understand that all important work life balance and the benefits this brings for you, your role and our business. At Sainsbury’s Argos Asia, we work flexibly so you can prioritise. Exactly how you work will vary from role to role and between teams, depending on the nature of your work and specific goals. You will be able to manage your time better and concentrate on your wellbeing, giving you time to exercise, spend time with your family and friends when it matters or just to simply recharge your batteries.
 
 This is a truly inclusive culture so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you go. Find out more about life working in Sainsbury’s Argos Asia and the importance we put into Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) by visiting our LinkedIn page - Sainsburys Argos Asia Limited