Head of Merchandising, Westport

Company Profile:Carraig Donn is Ireland’s premier lifestyle retailer of Ladies Fashion, Jewellery, and Gifts, which was established in 1965. At Carraig Donn, we are inspired by our long history as an Irish retailer, and we draw on our heritage as we consistently innovate and evolve to remain relevant and attractive to our extensive customer base. At Carraig Donn, the customer is central to our success, and we pride ourselves on providing genuine, honest customer service and an excellent retail experience. Our team of experienced buyers strive to bring our customers quality products at affordable prices, through our extensive collection of brands that are unique and exclusive to Carraig Donn. Our aim is to build positive, lasting relationships by providing customers with the right products at the right time, both at the store level and on our online platform. Carraig Donn is 100% Irish owned and operated with over 500 people employed across our Head Office and network of 42 retail stores. Our Head Office, Warehouse, and eCommerce operations are all conducted from our home in Westport, Co. Mayo. Carraig Donn is continuing to grow year on year, with an exciting 10-year expansion plan and a never-standing-still approach.Join us in our Journey of Growth:Be part of a truly successful and progressive Irish-owned company based in the West, offering exceptional growth prospects and expansion plans. As we strive to reach new heights, there's an opportunity for you to join our leadership team and play a vital role in propelling us to the next level. While the journey may be challenging, it promises to be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Join Carraig Donn and be part of our exciting future!Job RoleThis is a senior position in the company. The role holder will be responsible for developing an overarching merchandising strategy for the company and driving business plans.  Responsibilities Manage the Buying and Merchandising team and be responsible for the entire Buying and Merchandising function for both retail and e-commerce. This includes setting clear targets for the buying teams and driving achievement of these targets through continuous performance tracking and feedback.Work closely with the CEO & Head of Commercial Finance to formulate and implement all the seasonal buying strategies and Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets to achieve the business objectives for the markets.Accountable for delivering a detailed commercial and creative strategy for Carraig Donn ensuring a seamless implementation and experience for the buying team to maximize sales and profitability. Prepare and present budget, forecast, and monthly business reviews with the CEO and senior team.Measure and monitor the performance of the business and industry trends on a weekly basis and contribute at the weekly retail review meeting.Be completely in charge of the allocation & distribution of stockPartner with Operations and Marketing to create and implement clear procedures and guidelines on pricing, merchandising and stock allocations across both retail and e-commercePartner with the operations and marketing teams to ensure launches, sales etc. are actioned seamlesslyOperates as a strategic business leader, overseeing the teams and their processes, demonstrating best practise, and ensuring vendor terms are closely managedWork collaboratively across all departments in Head Office to drive and develop the business.  Skills requiredRelevant qualification – Degree/master’s or equivalent experience10+ years of solid experience in Merchandising/Buying preferably in the fashion industry.8-10 years of retail experience – ideally in a multi store environmentManaging buying substantial budgetA track-record of building, aligning, and inspiring teams.Strong analytical skills and synthesis skills and digital literacyAdvanced knowledge of Excel/VBA and PPTExcellent Knowledge of business and marketStrong experience in people managementProven business strategy, planning, analytical, complex problem -solving and negotiation skills.Excellent written and communication skills with proven ability to effectively influence stakeholders across various levels within the organisation.Comprehensive understanding and grasp of both product and client experience.Advanced organisational and time management skillsProactivity, flexibility, and initiative essentialAgile and highly motivated to work in demanding environment.Previous experience working in a Sales Merchandising / Product Merchandising role is a must. What We Offer:Competitive Compensation Package: We value your expertise and contribution. Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects your experience and skills.Flexible Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments. Benefit from flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle.Career Advancement Opportunities: Grow your career with us. Join a team of industry professionals dedicated to your success. Take advantage of our culture of mentorship and development as you progress within our organisation.Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment: At Carraig Donn, we foster a culture of collaboration and respect. Join a diverse team of talented individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.Continuous Learning and Development: We invest in our employees' growth and development. Access a variety of learning resources, training programs, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive benefits package, and access to a health and wellbeing support plan.Employee Discounts and Perks: As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy generous staff discounts on our exclusive product range. Take advantage of our employee referral scheme and other exciting perks.Health and Wellbeing Initiatives: Your health and wellbeing are important to us. Benefit from initiatives such as our bike-to-work scheme and access to our Employee Assistance programme, as well as our employee platform offering mindfulness resources, lifestyle savings, and more.Join Carraig Donn and become part of a team that values your talent and dedication. Experience the rewards of working for Ireland's premier lifestyle retailer as you embark on a fulfilling career journey with us. Apply now to seize this exciting opportunity!