Junior Merchandiser, Strategic Partnerships

River Island

Junior Merchandiser at River Island focusing on Strategic Partnerships and product trading performance. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize sales and delivery of partner products.

Posted 7/8/2026contractLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomJuniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the planning and trading of selected Strategic Partnership accounts or product categories, presenting directly to the Strategic Partnerships Merchandiser and Merch Lead.
Support the development and delivery of the Strategic Partnerships merchandising strategy, aligned to the River Island brand and commercial objectives.
Grow sales and profit by actively driving trading performance and supporting all aspects of the planning process.
Through analysis of current and historical performance, partner data and market trends, identify risks and opportunities and recommend actions to improve performance.
Work closely with Buying to develop seasonal range plans, supporting option planning, pre-season buys, intake, stock and in-season trading.
Manage stock and partner commitments to ensure planned stock levels are maintained and trading objectives are achieved.
Support the management of the department critical path to ensure timely product delivery.
Produce and maintain sales reporting, forecasting and commercial analysis to support business decisions and partner performance.
Build strong cross-functional relationships with Buying, Account Management, Supply Chain and wider business teams.
Support the implementation of company initiatives, processes and ways of working across the Strategic Partnerships function.
Manage the development of junior merchandising team members, supporting in setting direction and objectives for the department.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experienced Assistant Merchandiser or current Junior Merchandiser with at least 18 months' experience within merchandising.
Experience in an omni-channel business is highly desirable; experience within Strategic Partnerships or Wholesale is advantageous.
Track record of directly managing or mentoring others to create high engagement and performance.
Strong communication, analytical and numerical skills.
Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities through data analysis.
Very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with good self-awareness.
Highly organised with excellent prioritisation skills.
Good coaching and development skills.
Disciplined, results-oriented, resilient and adaptable to change.
Forward-thinking, innovative, with a curious mindset.
Passion for the River Island brand and customer.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment for all different family setups.
Flexible working, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.
Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.
A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.
The choice to opt in for healthcare through our provider AXA.
25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

MerchandisingSales ReportingForecastingCommercial AnalysisData AnalysisOption PlanningStock ManagementPerformance TrackingCritical Path ManagementStrategic Partnerships

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsCollaborationAttention to DetailOrganizational SkillsCoaching and DevelopmentAdaptabilityResults-Oriented