Job description
<!-- Introduction --><div class="feature-text"><h2> Your new role</h2><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">The Group Head of Merchandising will be responsible for leading the DFS Group brands merchandising strategy to deliver commercially successful, customer focused product ranges across all brands and channels. This role ensures optimal pricing, promotional planning, and stock performance to drive sales, maximise margin, and maintain brand differentiation.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Working cross functionally with key teams, and grounded in data and insight, the role shapes product and commercial strategies that respond to market trends and customer needs. It also leads, develops, and inspires a high performing merchandising team to support growth ambitions.</p><div style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> </div></div><!-- Responsibilities --><div><h3>What you'll be doing</h3><ul style="margin:10px 0px 15px 20px;padding:0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans within the Merchandising function, ensuring it aligns with the Group’s vision, Commercial strategy and financial goals</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Collaborate with senior leadership to define key merchandising goals and priorities, aligned with the Commercial strategy. </p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Help define the Commercial strategies for each brand that accords with the insight and that maximises sales whilst maintaining brand differentiation </p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Product Selection:</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Work with the Buying Team to curate a compelling and profitable range assortment - taking into account sector trends, customer preferences, and market conditions.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Ensure the Group delivers financially viable, cohesive, and commercial product ranges across all channels.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Pricing and Promotions:</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Responsible for overall seasonal campaign planning and the necessary pricing strategies to drive commercial performance</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Regular/ ongoing reviews of range sales data to maximise cash margin through pricing activity - including mechanics from single savings, extra savings, bundle and multibuy pricing etc</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Accountable for our pricing governance to ensure the business fully complies with both the legislation and guidance on pricing and promotions. </p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Stock Programme:</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Coordinate with stock manager and supply chain teams (both internal and third party) to ensure optimal stock levels and product availability.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Monitor inventory performance, and make recommendations for reorders, markdowns, or product discontinuation.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Team Management:</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing merchandising team., fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the team.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Management, coaching and development of colleagues within the Merchandising function, to build a motivated, skilled and empowered team, ensuring professional development opportunities .</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Performance Analysis:</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Stay current on industry trends, competitor strategies, and consumer behavior to keep the Group ahead of the market, using dse data and insights to merchandising strategy effectiveness</p></li></ul></div><!-- Ideal Candidate --><div><h3>The role is for you if...</h3><ul style="margin:10px 0px 15px 20px;padding:0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">A strong advocate for change and improving ways of working and efficiencies</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Commercial acumen and ability to capitalise on financial opportunities</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Strategic with strong analytical skills</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Team player who forms strong stakeholder relationships</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Highly engaged with strong leadership and motivational skills</p></li></ul></div><!-- Package Description --><div><h3>About DFS</h3><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home - and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969. </p><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">We're a market leader in the UK because of one thing: our people. Our people made us who we are and will drive us into our ambitious future, together. We offer incredible opportunities to get stuck into fun and meaningful work as well as learn new skills - so you can really ‘find your thing’. </p></div><!-- About the Company --><div><h3>DFS Benefits</h3><ul style="margin:10px 0px 15px 20px;padding:0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Company Car or Car Allowance</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Generous annual bonus based on business performance and objectives. </p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;"><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.</p></li><li style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:0px;font-size:inherit;">Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.</li></ul><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;"><br style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"></p><p style="margin:0px 0px 20px;padding:0px;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;">DFS Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer; celebrating diversity and committed to a culture of inclusion and belonging. We extend a warm welcome to everyone, embracing a variety of voices and perspectives. As we continue to work on building a workplace that is representative of the customers we serve and the communities we live and work in, we strongly encourage applications from members of minority and under-represented groups. Across the Group, we want to create an environment where everyone feels at home.</p></div><!-- Apply Button --><a href="https://apply.dfscareers.co.uk/members/?j=2553&lang=en&" class="btn btn-apply apply_bottom">Apply<i class="fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a>
