Senior Merchandising Manager

Competitive Salary, based on experience

Full-time, based onsite

Our Senior Merchandising Manager

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and results driven Senior Merchandising Manager to develop our category and product plan. Joining at a crucial stage of The Newt Commerce Team’s growth journey, the Senior Merchandising Manager will lead inventory planning across our channels, minimising risk and identifying strategic planning opportunities for incremental sales and profit.

Passionate about product and retail, they will enhance our food, gifting and homeware categories ensuring alignment with our brand identity, commercial success, and sustainable growth.

The successful applicant will have a genuine passion for product, has deep knowledge of the retail market and truly cares about making the shopping experience the best it can possibly be, understanding the balance of commercial success with maintaining The Newt’s brand integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Working to deliver the planned sales and profitability of the Commerce Department through effective planning, reacting to in-season trading performance and developing promotional strategies to ensure financial targets are met or exceeded.
Managing the intake margin and OTB through strategic planning and trading of the department to deliver the stock requirements of the business.
Constantly seeking opportunities to maximise both intake and profit margin against plan, adapting the department strategy based on trade performance.
Generating weekly, quarterly, and seasonal trade and inventory performance reports for multiple departments including retail, cyder, internal production and hospitality.
Implementing and maintaining key merchandising documents including the range plan and WSSI
Working alongside the Product Team to offer a commercial range to the customer whilst ensuring both The Newt’s brand guidelines and the department strategy are adhered to, taking into account OTB, SKU options and pricing.
Reviewing sales forecasts and projected orders to ensure stock levels are maintained on all ranges, communicating stock issues and recommending necessary actions.
Regularly meeting suppliers and brands for the department to ensure that key messages and movements in forecast are communicated clearly, including adjusting the in-season buys based on performance and inventory levels.
Ensuring cost and retail prices are correct and delivery lead-times are met, managing post-order gaps and cancellations to minimise impact on availability.
Organising and monitoring the exit strategy for bad stock in the most cost-effective way for the business.
Managing the purchase order flow in line with OTB and product launch dates.
Working with the marketing and buying teams on go to market plans, conducting post-event and promotion analysis.
Coordinating delivery schedules with the operations team to ensure timely market launches.
Supported by the stock inventory controller and procurement team to oversee inventory allocations to e-commerce and retail channels for optimal distribution.

What we can offer

A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
Enjoy shopping in both our shops on the estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events
Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts
Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

What we're looking for

Proven merchandising management experience within premium retailers – ideally across food, lifestyle or homeware categories.
Demonstrable ability to drive commercial performance while upholding brand values and delivering a considered and elevated product proposition.
Comfortable with manipulating and interpreting large data sets with the ability to build out key merchandising documents in excel, as well as devising reporting tools and working across multiple systems.
An entrepreneurial mindset - reacting in-season to capitalise on best sellers and market trends.
Natural leader with the ability to build, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
Strong understanding of merchandising principles, OTB, stock flow, and supply chain.
Excellent negotiation skills - track record of negotiating commercial agreements with prospective suppliers whilst forging strong lasting relationships.
Confident presentation style - comfortable presenting, with the ability to creatively pitch and sell in new product launches; proficient computing skills particularly with Excel and PowerPoint.
Commercial - a results-oriented mindset with a proven ability to develop and execute sales strategies and good understanding of the market, the competition, product value, pricing strategy and margins.
Passionate - genuine and personal interest in product, and driven by desire for The Newt to be best in class with consideration for quality and provenance.
Organised - highly organised and rigorous with the ability to manage multiple projects at pace without compromising detail.

Who are we - The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.