A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join one of the leading Suppliers/Distributors of automotive/bike accessories and apparel.

This innovative and exciting business also has its own well-recognised and successful brands.

We are looking for an Import Merchandiser, ideally based in their North-West office, to develop and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers and ensure timely delivery, availability, quality and cost efficiency of products.

The Import Merchandiser will also oversee supplier performance, negotiate terms, resolve issues to maintain smooth supply chain operations, and coordinate shipments, compliance, and documentation while aligning inventory with business needs. 

Import Merchandiser - Responsibilities: 

Order Processing:

• Raise purchase orders, review retail orders, and ensure correct print positions and templates.

Supplier Coordination:

• Liaise with international manufacturers to manage planning and production.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, and compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards
• Conduct regular performance reviews and factory audits to ensure quality and reliability
• Negotiate lead times and minimum order quantities to optimise cost and flexibility
• Resolve production issues, delays, and quality concerns through proactive communication and problem-solving
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Director and Supply Manager to onboard new vendors and manage risk
• Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness
• Analyse historical data to improve forecasting and lead time accuracy

Critical Path Management:

• Develop and maintain detailed critical path schedules for each product category and season.
• Track key milestones: sample approvals, bulk production, inspections, shipping, and delivery
• Use internal documents and ERP systems to update timelines and flag potential delays
• Implement contingency plans to mitigate delays and ensure timely product launches
• Align production timelines with marketing campaigns, retail drops, and seasonal demand
• Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness

 
Shipment Planning:

• Work with suppliers to approve shipments and ensure on time handover to freight forwarders
• Collaborate with Import Merchandiser to ensure all documentation is provided and shipment details and priorities are clearly communicated for inbound planning

Cross Functional Collaboration:

• Communicate status updates and risks to cross-functional teams, including design, demand, sales, and logistics

 
Import Merchandiser - The Person:

• Degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields 
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a merchandising/demand planning/forecasting role
• Highly organised - able to manage own workload
• Capability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, with the ability to foresee problems and find solutions to mitigate business risk
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of software tools: Excel advanced, SAP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV

 
We regret that due to the high amount of interest that we receive for each of our vacancies, if you do not hear from one of our consultants within 5 days then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this role.