P Louise is looking for a highly organised, numerically confident, detail-oriented Buying & Merchandising Administrator eager to develop a career within merchandising, retail planning, or commercial operations.

Working within a fast-paced beauty retail environment in Stockport, the successful applicant will be responsible for providing essential administrative and analytical support to the Buying and Merchandising teams, ensuring the smooth day-to-day management of product ranges across retail stores and ecommerce channels.

The Buying & Merchandising Administrator will play a key part in maintaining accurate stock and product data, supporting inventory management processes, and assisting with the execution of seasonal and promotional trading plans.  This will include helping ensure products are available to customers at the right time while supporting the wider team in delivering sales, profitability and stock objectives.

Key Responsibilities of the Buying & Merchandising Administrator

Stock & Inventory Administration:

• Maintain accurate stock records across stores, distribution centres and ecommerce fulfilment locations.
• Monitor stock availability and highlight potential shortages, overstocks or replenishment issues.
• Support stock allocation and replenishment activities to ensure products remain available across all sales channels.
• Assist with stock transfers between stores, warehouses and fulfilment centres when required.
• Monitor incoming deliveries and update systems to ensure inventory information remains accurate.

Purchase Order & Supplier Administration:

• Raise, maintain and amend purchase orders within merchandising systems.
• Track supplier confirmations, shipment schedules and expected delivery dates.
• Ensure all product and order information is accurately recorded and updated.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal departments to resolve discrepancies relating to orders, deliveries or stock issues.
• Support the management of critical path timelines to ensure products are delivered on schedule.

Reporting & Data Management:

• Produce daily, weekly and monthly sales and stock reports for the merchandising team.
• Maintain reporting tools and spreadsheets used to support trading decisions.
• Assist in analysing sales performance, stock levels and inventory productivity.
• Support the preparation of trade packs and reporting for weekly trading meetings.
• Ensure data accuracy across all merchandising systems and reports.

Product & Range Administration:

• Support the setup and maintenance of product information across merchandising systems.
• Assist with the creation of new product records, ensuring all product attributes, pricing and descriptions are accurately entered.
• Maintain range plans and product trackers throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support product launch activities by ensuring stock and system readiness ahead of launch dates.
• Assist in monitoring product performance and maintaining continuity lines.

Ecommerce & Omnichannel Support:

• Monitor stock availability across online and store channels to support a seamless customer experience.
• Assist with maintaining accurate online stock positions and product information.
• Support ecommerce trading activity by providing stock and sales reporting.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure stock is available for online promotions, launches and campaigns.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Build strong relationships with Buying, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Ecommerce, Retail Operations and Finance teams.
• Support communication between departments to ensure accurate and timely flow of information.
• Assist with resolving operational issues relating to stock, deliveries and product availability.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing process improvements.

Administrative Support:

• Manage merchandising documentation, trackers and filing systems.
• Prepare reports, presentations and meeting materials for the merchandising team.
• Support ad hoc analysis and administrative projects as required.
• Ensure all merchandising processes are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.

What P Louise is looking for…

Experience:

• Administrative, retail, inventory, planning or analytical experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail or commercial environment is advantageous.

Numerical & Analytical Skills:

• Strong numerical aptitude with confidence working with data and spreadsheets.
• Ability to identify trends, discrepancies and opportunities within sales and stock information.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.

Systems & Technical

• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including:
  • Pivot Tables
  • XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP
  • SUMIFS
  • Conditional Formatting
  • Basic reporting and analysis
  • Comfortable learning and using merchandising, ERP and inventory management systems.
  • High level of confidence working with large volumes of data.

Organisation & Attention to Detail:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

Communication:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across multiple departments.
• Confident in communicating information clearly and professionally.

Commercial Awareness:

• Interest in retail, beauty and consumer trends.
• Understanding of the importance of stock availability, customer experience and commercial performance.

Key Competencies:

• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced retail environment.
• High level of accuracy and accountability.
• Desire to learn and develop a long-term career within merchandising and retail planning.
• Customer-focused approach with an understanding of how operational excellence supports the overall shopping experience.

Application

Apply with a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability and interest to careers@plouise.co.uk.