Merchandise Specialist at JD Group

As the Merchandise Specialist (also known as Imports Coordinator / Specialist) for our Traditional Retail Division, you will optimize the import purchases of merchandise in order to ensure the sustainability, profitability, and growth of the Division’s respective brands (Russells, Rochester, Sleepmasters and Bradlows), aligned to our division’s strategic objective. You will be engaged in extensive international travel to achieve this goal and may be away from home for extended periods of time.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Sourcing merchandise import opportunities that will enhance each Division’s product offering, to increase its sales and profitability
• Supporting Merchandise Buyers in import buying within the Division
• Managing activities and implementing policies and procedures to drive the strategies to optimize imports in the Division and thereby ensuring increased profitability
• Act in a customer-centric manner that is in line with our values by meeting and exceeding the requirements of internal and external customers

To be considered for this role, you will have the following:

• Relevant business degree with 5-7 years’ experience in a retail business, specifically working in Furniture retail
• Extensive knowledge of Imports, Supply Chain, Retail and Financial services environments
• In-depth understanding of industry trends and have demonstrated success in a previous role
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships
• Ability to work independently to achieve individual targets and also work in a team to achieve divisional goals
• The energy and drive to meet and exceed expectations