Job Title: Merchandiser

Department: Retail and Licensing

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package depending on experience

Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Closing Date: Sunday 23 February 2025

Interview Date: March 2025

1. The Department

At Aston Villa Football Club, our Retail and Licensing department plays a vital role in supporting the club's commercial success and fan engagement. We take pride in offering a wide variety of high-quality football merchandise and leisurewear to our supporters, both online and in-store, while maintaining a strong connection to our brand and culture. As the Club grows, we are expanding our team to enhance the product offering and ensure we continue delivering an exceptional customer experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an innovative department that works collaboratively to bring our fans closer to the Club through the products they love.

2. The Role

The Club is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Merchandiser to join our Retail team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for driving sales and ensuring optimal stock levels across our retail outlets. You will work closely with the buying and retail teams, helping to deliver and develop exciting product ranges that meet customer demand and maximize profitability. As the Merchandiser, you will have a direct impact on our merchandise planning, stock allocation, and supply chain management.

You will be responsible for forecasting key sales volumes, managing the flow of new products, and ensuring that stock is delivered to our warehouses on time. A typical day will involve collaborating with internal teams, analysing sales data, and taking actions to address stock issues while maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders. Your keen eye for market trends and strong communication skills will ensure that we maintain a range mix that resonates with our customers.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to make an impact on the Club’s retail success, and you will play an integral role in launching key product ranges and promotions across our retail channels.

For further information about the role, please see the Role Profile.

3. The Person

To be considered for the role, you will need to have proven experience in a merchandising role within the retail industry, with a strong track record of driving sales and managing stock flow. A results-driven mindset, coupled with the ability to adapt quickly and work under pressure, will be key to your success. You must have strong analytical and numerical skills, as well as a deep understanding of market trends and customer preferences.

You will need to have excellent communication skills, with the ability to negotiate confidently and build strong working relationships both internally and externally. Experience in using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential, and familiarity with retail-specific systems is highly desirable.

You will have access to a vehicle and / or the ability to travel between our Club sites; Villa Park, London Office and Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

If you are a proactive, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced commercial environment, this is the opportunity for you!

4. Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join us, we are celebrating our 150th anniversary, showcasing Aston Villa Football Club in all its glory to a global audience, and are determined to continue our growing success, both on and off the pitch. We currently offer a range of fantastic benefits* including:

• Offers on tickets for Men and Women’s matches (subject to match and ticketing arrangements)
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free car parking
• Free staff breakfast and lunches
• Club Shop discount
• adidas discount
• Travel discount
• Death in service benefit
• Free Will writing
• Free mortgage and insurance broker consultations
• Free eye tests
• Mobile network discounts
• Gym discount

*Please note these are subject to change at any time

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

1. Upload your CV

2. Answer the following question:

a) Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement 

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding