Assistant Merchandise Planner 6 Month FTC

BoF Careers; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Assistant Merchandise Planner for their Children'swear Polo team. This fixed-term role focuses on updating reports, analyzing sales data, and enhancing team collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a keen commercial awareness. By engaging in store visits and competitor analysis, you'll contribute to strategic decisions that drive the business forward. Join this dynamic team and help shape the future of children's fashion with your insights and expertise.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness are crucial for this role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required for data management.

Responsibilities

• Update reports and actualise department WSSI weekly.
• Conduct competitor analysis and present findings.

Skills

Commercial Awareness

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Microsoft Excel

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Job description

Company Description

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products across five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. With over 50 years of reputation, Ralph Lauren's distinctive image has been developed across a broad range of products, brands, and international markets. The company's brands include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, and Chaps, among others, making it one of the world's most recognized portfolios of consumer brands. Ralph Lauren fosters an inclusive culture that values talent, education, communication, employee groups, and celebration, promoting a sense of belonging and fairness for all.

Position Overview

This is a fixed-term contract for 6 months for an Assistant Merchandise Planner on the Children'swear Polo full-price team. Responsibilities include updating reports, actualising the department's WSSIs, and attending trade meetings. The role requires commercial awareness through store visits and competitor analysis, as well as training and development for personal and peer growth. Effective communication and collaboration within cross-functional teams are essential, along with skills in analysis, time management, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience in allocation or similar roles within fashion retail is preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Operation/Financial
   • Update reports regularly and as needed.
   • Actualise department WSSI weekly.
   • Attend and prepare for weekly trade meetings; deliver trade messages independently.
   • Provide data for seasonal meetings, including analysis and sign-offs.
   • Update and forecast department line cards to maximize sales and stock availability.
   • Update seasonal recodes systematically.
   • Manage department stock delivery schedules and communicate updates.
   • Action seasonal markdowns and communicate with stores.
2. Commercial Awareness
   • Participate in store visits, collate reports, and assist in presentations.
   • Conduct competitor analysis and present relevant findings.
3. Training and Development
   • Engage proactively in personal and peer training.
   • Suggest improvements in practices and systems.
   • Participate in company initiatives as appropriate.
4. Communications & Partnerships
   • Build strong relationships within cross-functional teams: Buying, Allocations, ECOM, and retail stores.
   • Collaborate with Assortment Planning and Buying teams to review seasonal insights and influence future buying decisions based on analysis and data.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Strong commercial and analytical skills.
• Effective communicator, able to convey messages clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships within a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Attention to detail and aptitude for retail mathematics and technical applications.
• Resilient and positive during challenging periods.
• Enthusiastic about work and product appreciation.