Merchandising Assistant - Fixed-Term / London-Retail, Greater London

The Merchandising Assistant - Fixed-Term is a six-month contract based in London that will give a broad-based introduction to retail merchandising processes and practices. The role will be responsible for data entry processes in the 3PP product, planogram and signage areas. This entry-level position is perfect for a detail-oriented self-starter.

Product Responsibilites:

  • Request Apple part numbers in Product Lifecycle (PLC) system for approved 3PP products
  • Input new 3PP products and part numbers into Global Retail Assortment Database
  • Review weekly sales report and identify slow movers for merchant team
  • Write new 3PP product launch documents and create Daily Download slides

Planogram Reponsibilities:

  • Update planogram layout to match current American model
  • Edit Overhead Planograms and submit to Planogram manager for approval
  • Document and distribute planograms and Zone-a-Grams for each store footprint on weekly basis
  • Create archive of pictures from store merchandising visits
  • Create weekly merchandising changes documentation
  • Compare software planogram with space plans and current offering list to ensure all titles have placement on floor

Sign Responsibilities:

  • Request signs in Retail Sign Manager database
  • Forward completed signs for approval

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Other duties as assigned
  • Skills and Requirements:
  • High energy, hard working, flexible personality with strong desire to succeed in team environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills
  • Data analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Must have a passion for detail
  • Familiarity with Apple’s internal 3PP systems a plus
  • Industry/Technology experience and interest preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (esp. Excel)

Merchandising Communication Manager - London-Regent Street-R092, Greater London

The Merchandising Communication Manager will be responsible for the creation, content management and distribution of all planograms and signage for European Apple Retail Stores. Candidate should be comfortable working during intensive periods under aggressive deadlines, and also self-direct when necessary. This position is an excellent opportunity for a flexible, detail-oriented self-starter with strong communication and follow-up skills. Be an integral member of the small, dedicated team as we expand our business in the UK and bring stores to continental Europe. Work closely with a cross-functional, worldwide team to implement creative new retail strategies. If you are passionate about technology, focused on profitability, flexible and entrepreneurial, you can make an immediate impact. The position reports to Senior Merchandising Manager of European Apple Retail Stores.

Planogram Reponsibilities:

  • Manage in-store merchandising plans, including the creation of planograms for UK stores and future European stores
  • Make planogram product placement decisions based on current marketing strategy as well as worldwide and regional sales analysis
  • Set, document and distribute planograms and Zone-a-Grams for each store footprint on weekly basis
  • Deliver weekly merchandising changes documentation to Store Operations team for posting to stores
  • Develop and manage visual merchandising process and deliverables to maintain consistent assortment and presentation standards
  • Develop and assist in delivering merchandising training for managers and store employees
  • Recommend strategy and define timeline for in-store Mac specialists on daily merchandising tasks
  • Advise merchants on assortment categories using both in-store product positioning and sales analysis
  • Track back-end MDF placement commitments and suggest further product placement opportunities
  • Responsible for all merchandising communication to Store Operations, Marketing and New Store Opening Teams, as well as with the stores directly
  • Other duties as assigned

Sign Responsibilities:

  • Request, review and approve all store signage for current UK stores and future European stores
  • Work efficiently in the sign database to ensure timely completion, accurate content and placement of signs
  • Conduct ongoing review of signage process and sign database and deliver and implement recommendations for improvement
  • Develop highly productive relationships with the external sign agency to get deadline-driven projects done on time
  • Actively problem-solve and bring new ideas in planning meetings
  • Respond quickly to store needs to ensure they are met
  • Track signage budget and work to minimize costs
  • Must have a passion for detail, as well as the ability to consider bigger picture impact of signage and merchandising decisions
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Requirements:

  • Educated to degree level, in related field
  • 2-5 years prior retail merchandising or planning experience preferred
  • High energy, hard working, flexible personality with strong desire to succeed in team environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills
  • Strong data analysis skills
  • Comfortable working during intensive periods under aggressive deadlines
  • Detail-oriented, self-starter must be capable of self-direction
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks with limited management involvement
  • Strong short-term growth potential
  • Multiple European Language fluency preferred
  • Industry/Technology experience and interest preferred
  • Up to 40% travel (including monthly to all retail footprints to update planogram and verify product assortment)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (esp. Excel); familiarity with Photoshop, Illustrator and Digital camera