Junior Merchandiser

TN United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Associate Planner to optimize inventory management and strategic planning. The role requires strong analytical skills and effective communication to support merchandise planning efforts. Candidates should be detail-oriented, results-driven, and passionate about retail.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills required.
• Effective communicator with clear messaging.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and BI tools essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze trade reports and influence forecasting.
• Own department WSSI and communicate impacts.
• Lead department analysis and communicate learnings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BI tools

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Position Overview

As an Associate Planner (Senior AM/Junior Merchandiser) 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Operation/Financial
2. Critically analyse trade reports and utilise own knowledge to influence forecasting & promotional/MD planning.
3. Optimise channel availability and take necessary trading actions.
4. Own the line card process and translate impacts into department WSSI forecasting.
5. Own department WSSI to reflect risks and opportunities to KPIs, communicating impacts to planners.
6. Find solutions to achieve EOH stock and average cost turn targets.
7. Lead department/brand hindsight analysis and communicate key learnings to stakeholders.
8. Partner with buying counterparts to formulate forward strategy, identify risks & opportunities, and suggest solutions.
9. Drive OTB process, collaborate with buying team to understand category impacts, and communicate to management.
10. Oversee seasonal recodes and markdowns, including communication to stores.
11. Deputise for Planner when needed.

Commercial Awareness

• Lead store visits, analyze reports, and present feedback.
• Understand Ralph Lauren's position within the retail environment through competitor analysis, identifying opportunities and risks.

Training and Development

• Proactively pursue personal and peer development.
• Seek process improvements and efficiencies.
• Coach and train team members.
• Support team in achieving personal goals.
• Participate in company initiatives, wellness, and psychological safety efforts.

Communications & Partnerships

• Build strong relationships within cross-functional teams: Buying, Allocations, ECOM, retail stores.
• Liaise with stakeholders to review seasonal lessons learned and influence future buying decisions.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Skills

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Effective communicator, clear and concise messaging.
• Autonomous, results-oriented, innovative thinking.
• Logical analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and solution focus.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self-awareness and receptiveness to feedback.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and BI tools.
• Attention to detail and resilience.
• Positive attitude and leadership by example.
• Passion for retail and product appreciation.

Applicants must have the right to work in the role's country location.