Merchandiser

Job Title: Merchandising and Buying Manager or Merchandiser

Location: Camberwell, London, mostly in the studio but flexible/hybrid arrangements are possible but this is a majority on-site role.

Company Overview: String Ting is a creative woman-owned and operated accessories business that started in the founder’s living room during the first lockdown in London and has grown to its fourth studio in as many years!

The brand started a Global trend (by accident!) and has been featured in Vogue, New York Times, Comso, Harper’s, Vanity Fair and more. Our pieces have adorned the bags and phones of celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, BlackPink, Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber and just about every internet girlie that ever lived.

Today String Ting designs and manufactures some of the most premium (and fun) phone straps and bag charms in the world - all from its light-filled studio in Camberwell South East London.

The business has grown year on year and is now seeking an experienced merchandiser to help streamline data management and processes, enabling continued growth and strategic planning to maximise sales.

Role Overview:

• The Merchandising and Buying Manager will play a crucial role in optimising inventory levels, driving sales through effective merchandising strategies, and collaborating closely with the founder (and creative director), studio operations, inventory and production teams. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, proficiency in Excel, a high degree of independent problem solving and the ability to create and manage reporting tools.

Responsibilities:

• Managing stock levels and optimising inventory.
• Manage the critical path for sampling, production and materials purchasing.
• Developing and maintaining merchandising plans and forecasting sales.
• Creating and analysing sales and inventory reports.
• Collaborating with the founder and makers for new product development and production planning.
• Execute the materials buying process, from supplier negotiation, lead time management, placing purchase orders to product selection.
• Manage select wholesale relationships alongside the founder and build a production process around this growing area.

Key Deliverables: What success looks like in this role.

• Maintaining optimal stock levels to prevent overstock or stockouts - both in materials and made products
• Achieving sales and growth targets through effective merchandising strategies.
• Streamlining inventory management processes.
• Ensure stock and sales data is accurate across the business to make commercial decisions
• Support the founder with creating a range plan and expanding into new categories and markets.

Required Skills and Experience

• Essential Skills:
• Technical Skills:
• High proficiency in Excel
• Experience with ERP systems (like Zedonk)
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to create reporting tools and deliver actionable insights
• Soft Skills:
• Attention to detail - you take pride in having accurate data and clear reports.
• Excellent communication abilities - managing up to the founder, communicating across the team and with external partners.
• Strong organisational skills - you really enjoy creating systems and processes to keep on top of lots of moving parts.
• Proactive mindset - if you see a problem or potential opportunity you take the initiative to implement change.
• A keen eye for design and interest in the accessories sector. You keep your finger on the pulse of popular culture and are obsessed with understanding the customer and anticipating what they want from the product and buying experience.

• Experience: This role would suit someone with:
• Previous experience in own brand merchandising or a similar role for a retailer with a mix of short and long lead time raw material management.
• You may be a Junior Merchandiser, Senior Assistant Merchandiser or Merchandiser looking to take on more ownership of your area within a smaller business.
• You may have experience working with a lifestyle brand and understand how all of the touchpoints in the business contribute to the brand experience and value (customer service, product quality etc).
• Experience working in a start-up or scale-up environment.
• Track record of managing inventory and implementing new systems and processes to improve efficiency and achieve growth goals.
• A self-starter who is motivated to take initiative and solve problems to be a key person in growing this business.
• Clear communication skills and someone who can collaborate effectively with different people and manage up to the founder.
• Good negotiation skills with external partners (e.g. suppliers and producers).

Compensation and Benefits: £40K+ - negotiable based on experience.

Benefits:

Core benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus
• 20 days holiday + bank holidays (additional days negotiable)
• Pension scheme
• Flexible/hybrid working is negotiable

As a small business, we are open to creating flexible benefits that suit the way you work best. We want you to be happy and see this as a place to grow!

We can discuss options of various benefits with the candidates in the interview process.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and an email outlining why you are a good fit for this role. Applications should be sent to rachel@stringting.com