Head of Merchandising - Somerset

Head of Merchandising jobs

Overseeing the merchandising department, this role often involves working with the UK and international function, where appropriate, to identify new market opportunities and partner relationships.

Head of Merchandising often works closely with Head of Buying in a business to deliver appropriate ranges that are seasonally focused, ensuring key international events and counter-seasonal markets are catered for.

Central to partner communications, Head of Merchandising roles are brand ambassadors in all meetings and negotiations and there is an emphasis on working with the senior leadership team to define and deliver a clear strategy for the future.

This role involves leading and motivating the team to ensure consistently high standards and best practice are maintained across all processes.

The role offers the opportunity to build and consolidate relationships with existing stores, wholesale and franchise partners through on-going communication and delivery of mutual objectives.

The skills required

As Head of Merchandising you will have experience of working within international wholesale and franchise models, with extensive knowledge of buying and merchandising principles and processes. An understanding of global markets is essential as well as the ability to translate customer insight into working practice.

As a skilled communicator you will be a confident negotiator and well versed in relationship building.

Commercial acumen is mandatory as Head of Merchandising as well as the ability to think strategically. In a fast-moving market, resilience is a valued quality as well as being an agile thinker and problem solver.

Head of Merchandising Jobs in Somerset

Located in the west of England, Somerset shares borders with four other counties: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. It also borders Bristol, which is its own unitary authority.

Somerset is a good option for those seeking Head of Merchandising roles, with settlements in the region including two cities, Bath and Wells, as well as Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil and Bridgwater. There's also the county town, Taunton.

During the Industrial Revolution, the region's biggest port was the one at Bridgwater on the River Parrett. Bricks and roof tiles were common exports at the time, but today, the region's economy is varied, with important industries including the service sector, retail and tourism, as well as agriculture, light industry and technology.

Just some of the products manufactured in Somerset include helicopters from AgustaWestland and oxygen systems for aircraft from Normalair Garratt.

Meanwhile, Ariel Motors Ltd makes performance motor vehicles in Crewkerne and there's a BAE Systems facility in Yeovil that produces military software.

Somerset is also home to a number of large distribution centres run by companies like Argos, Gerber Juice and Toolstation. Stone quarrying is also an important part of the local economy.

Other companies based in the region or with large facilities here include Blackthorn Cider, Ilchester Cheese and YeoValley Organic.

Popular locations

Search for Head of Merchandising opportunities with Cast UK

As market leading recruitment specialists for professional level merchandising roles, Cast UK is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients, enabling us to understand their business models and the positions they are recruiting.

We get to know the personalities and objectives of each candidate; understanding what motivates them, and the appropriate cultural fit for them. This attention to detail means that we are able to make excellent matches between applicants and employers, making placements that are lasting and mutually rewarding.

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Merchandising role for your business or find you a job as Head of Merchandising, contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345

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