Associate Merchandise Planner

TN United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Planner for their Merchandise Planning team. This role is crucial in optimizing inventory management and forecasting, requiring a blend of analytical skills and strategic thinking. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, driving business performance through data analysis and effective communication. If you have a passion for retail and a knack for problem-solving, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team and make a significant impact on merchandise planning efforts.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented individual with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to balance data-driven decisions with strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Analyze trade reports and influence forecasting and promotional planning.
• Lead store visits and provide feedback based on competitive analysis.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Microsoft Excel

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Team Collaboration

Tools

BI Reporting Tools

Job description

Job Title: Associate Planner - Merchandise Planning

As an Associate Planner within the Merchandise Planning team at Ralph Lauren, you will play a crucial role in optimizing inventory management, forecasting, and strategic planning to drive business performance. This position requires a blend of analytical skills, business acumen, and collaborative abilities to support the company's merchandise planning efforts.

This position requires a detail-oriented individual with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for retail and merchandise planning. The ideal candidate will be able to balance data-driven decision-making with strategic thinking to support Ralph Lauren's business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Analyze trade reports critically and utilize your knowledge to influence forecasting and promotional/MD planning.
2. Optimize channel availability and take necessary trading actions.
3. Manage the line card process and translate impacts into department WSSI forecasting.
4. Reflect short- and long-term risks and opportunities in department WSSI, communicating impacts to the planner.
5. Find solutions to achieve EOH stock and average cost turn targets.
6. Lead department/brand hindsight analysis and communicate key learnings to stakeholders.
7. Partner with buying counterparts to formulate forward strategies and communicate associated risks and opportunities, suggesting potential solutions.
8. Drive the OTB process in collaboration with buying teams, understanding category changes impacting KPIs, and communicating insights to management.
9. Oversee seasonal recodes and responsible for seasonal markdowns and communication to stores.
10. Deputize for the Planner when necessary.

Store Visits and Competitive Analysis:

1. Lead regular store visits, analyze reports, and provide feedback to the team.
2. Understand Ralph Lauren's position within the retail environment through competitor analysis, identifying opportunities and risks.

Training and Development:

1. Adopt a proactive approach to personal and team development.
2. Seek continuous process improvements and efficiencies.
3. Coach and train team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
4. Support team members in achieving their personal goals.
5. Participate in company initiatives and promote team wellness and psychological safety.

Communications & Partnerships:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships within cross-functional teams such as Buying, Allocations, ECOM, and retail store teams.
2. Liaise with stakeholders to review seasonal lessons learned and influence future buying decisions using data analysis.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge:

Skills:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Effective communicator, able to convey messages clearly to diverse audiences.
• Autonomous, results-oriented, and innovative thinker.
• Logical analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self-aware with a willingness to seek feedback and improve.
• Ability to build productive relationships within a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and BI reporting tools.
• Resilient and positive during challenging periods.
• Recognizes and praises good work.
• Leads by example and acts as a positive role model.
• Enjoys work and has an appreciation for product.