Assistant Merchandiser

Ralph Lauren Corporation; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Associate Planner to enhance branch analytics and optimization across EMEA stores. In this fast-paced role, you will support Planning Managers by managing detailed reporting, optimizing space and inventory, and collaborating with various teams to drive store performance. Your analytical skills will be crucial in identifying opportunities and challenges, while your proficiency in Excel will empower you to generate insightful reports. If you're a motivated self-starter with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for retail, this opportunity is perfect for you to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandising or planning roles is essential.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in retail maths required.

Responsibilities

• Support Planning Managers with Branch Analytics and Optimisation.
• Maintain detailed store reporting and manage large data sets in Excel.
• Communicate regularly with regional managers for feedback.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Retail Maths

Excel

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Experience as Assistant Branch Merchandiser

Experience in Planning or Distribution

Tools

Excel

Job description

Associate Planner, Branch and Space Planning

Ref #: W160440

Department:

City: Watford

State/Province: Hertfordshire

Location: United Kingdom

Company Description:

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands, and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups, and Celebration.

Position Overview:

The Branch Associate Planner supports the Planning Managers, while actively overseeing Branch Analytics and Optimisation across Ralph Lauren EMEA stores. They manage detailed store reporting with a focus on optimising space & inventory, providing feedback and proposals to the business to support store performance and capacity management. They will work in partnership with Business Planning, Merchandise Planning, Buying, Inventory & Distribution teams, Retail Operations, Creative Services, and other key stakeholders.

1. Review weekly trade on key performance indicators to identify challenges/opportunities with an emphasis on timely resolution & optimising profit.
2. Maintain & continue to develop teams central reporting processes through accurate & timely generation of Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Annual & adhoc reports, managing in Excel using large data sets.
3. Support in creating & sharing analysis to business & key stakeholders e.g. store visit decks, regional trade calls & marketing events.
4. Provide actionable unit capacity guidance & transfer proposals to allocation & inventory partners.
5. Support with the maintenance of retail & sale calendars ensuring they reflect latest information.
6. Regular communication with regional managers gathering feedback from their region.
7. Be open & collaborative in all ways of working.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge:

1. Previous experience as assistant branch merchandiser or assistant merchandiser or equivalent (experience in Planning or Distribution is preferable).
2. Must be dynamic, resilient & happy to work in a fast-paced environment.
3. Self-starter, highly motivated & organised.
4. Strong analytical skills, proven proficiency in retail maths.
5. High level of computer literacy, Intermediate/Advanced level Excel.
6. Attention to detail & able to maintain good accuracy levels.
7. Ability to build & maintain strong working relationships with business partners.
8. Creative problem-solver & critical thinker.
9. Must have a desire to review & create efficiencies in processes.