Branch Planner

Ralph Lauren Corporation; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralph Lauren Corporation seeks a Branch Planner for a 12-month fixed-term contract in Watford. In this role, you will support the Planning Manager and lead Branch Analytics, focusing on optimizing space, inventory, and store performance through detailed reporting.

The successful candidate will have experience in retail planning or distribution, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel. This position requires a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with an emphasis on building strong relationships and improving processes.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Assistant Branch Planner, Assistant Merchandiser or equivalent.
• Dynamic and resilient, able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter; highly motivated and organized.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Support the Planning Manager while overseeing Branch Analytics.
• Manage detailed store reporting focusing on space and inventory optimization.
• Provide regular feedback and proposals for store performance improvement.
• Maintain retail and sales calendars.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in retail mathematics

Intermediate/Advanced Excel

Ability to build relationships

Creative problem-solving

Job 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

This is a Fixed Term 12 month contract based in Watford.

The Branch Planner supports the Planning Manager & Lead, 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, Brand Image, Inventory & Allocation teams, Buying, Retail Operations, and other key stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review weekly trade on Key Performance Indicators to identify challenges/ opportunities with emphasis on timely resolution and optimising profit
• Maintain and develop team’s central reporting process through accurate and timely generation of Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Annual and Adhoc reporting, managing reports in excel involving large data sets
• Support creating and sharing analysis to business and key stakeholders e.g. store visit decks, regional trade calls, marketing events.
• Provide actionable unit capacity guidance and transfer proposals to allocation & inventory partners
• Maintain retail and sale calendars ensuring they reflect latest information
• Regular communication with regional managers gathering feedback from their region

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Previous experience as Assistant Branch Planner, Assistant Merchandiser or equivalent (experience in Planning or Distribution is preferable)
• Must be dynamic, resilient, and happy to work in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter; highly motivated and organised
• Strong analytical skills, proven proficiency in retail mathematics
• High level of computer literacy, Intermediate/Advanced level excel
• Attention to detail and able to maintain good accuracy levels
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with business partners
• Creative problem-solver and critical thinker
• Must have desire to review / create efficiencies in processes