Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role

The Junior Merchandiser plays a key role within Castore’s Merchandising team, supporting the Merchandiser in driving the commercial performance of the department.

The role combines range planning, stock management and in-season trading, using sales and merchandising data to identify opportunities, manage risks and maximise sales and profitability. You’ll work closely with Buying, Retail, Ecommerce, Branch Merchandising, Wholesale and Logistics to ensure products are bought, allocated and traded effectively across the business.

It’s an ideal next step for an experienced Assistant Merchandiser looking for greater ownership, or someone already operating at Junior Merchandiser level within a fast-paced retail, fashion or sportswear environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Merchandiser with seasonal planning, forecasting and delivery of departmental sales, stock and margin targets.

• Review previous-season performance and produce analysis to help shape future ranges and buying decisions.

• Build and maintain range plans, ensuring buys remain aligned with agreed plans and commercial objectives.

• Analyse weekly sales, stock and trading performance, highlighting risks and opportunities and recommending appropriate trading actions.

• Prepare for and help lead weekly trade meetings, presenting performance and proposed actions.

• Work cross-functionally with Buying, Ecommerce, Retail and Branch Merchandising to deliver commercial plans across the business.

• Review sales and stock performance by store, supporting allocation, store profiling and stock optimisation.

• Review size ratios and provide recommendations to improve future buys and stock efficiency.

• Manage order books through both pre-season and in-season trading, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.

• Identify slow-moving stock and opportunities to maximise sell-through, recommending promotional, markdown or stock actions where appropriate.

• Support promotional and end-of-season sale activity, including pricing and stock considerations.

• Work closely with the Merchandising Admin Assistant, providing clear direction and helping prioritise day-to-day activity.

• Build strong relationships across Merchandising, Buying, Channels, Wholesale, Logistics, Retail and Ecommerce.

• Clearly communicate trading performance, opportunities and risks to senior stakeholders.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within Merchandising, ideally as a Junior Merchandiser or an experienced/high-level Assistant Merchandiser ready to make the next step.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify trading risks and opportunities.

• Confident working with sales, stock, margin and performance data to make commercial recommendations.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large volumes of merchandising data.

• Good understanding of range planning, stock management, forecasting and in-season trading.

• Strong organisational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to turn detailed merchandising data into clear commercial actions.

• Comfortable influencing and working with stakeholders across multiple functions and levels of seniority.

• A genuine passion for product, retail and understanding customer behaviour.

• Experience within sportswear, fashion, footwear or a similarly fast-paced consumer brand would be advantageous rather than essential.

What We Offer

•Competitive salary
•Discretionary bonus scheme
•25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
•Modern city centre offices in Manchester
•Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
•An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
•A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
•Generous staff discount