Junior Merchandiser

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

Job summary

A leading company in premium lifestyle products is seeking an Associate Planner to optimize inventory management and enhance business performance. The role involves analyzing trade reports, managing forecasting, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates should possess strong analytical skills, effective communication, and a solution-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills required.
• Effective communication skills to convey messages clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing trade reports and influencing forecasting.
• Driving OTB processes and collaborating with buying teams.
• Leading store visits and analyzing reports for feedback.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BI Tools

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 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, making it one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we aim to inspire and unite our communities by promoting inclusion, fairness, and diversity. We foster a culture of belonging through Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups, and Celebration.

We are seeking an Associate Planner (Senior AM/Junior Merchandiser) within the Merchandise Planning team. This role is crucial for optimizing inventory management, forecasting, and strategic planning to enhance business performance. The ideal candidate will possess analytical skills, business acumen, and collaborative abilities to support merchandise planning efforts.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing trade reports and influencing forecasting and promotional planning.
• Optimizing channel availability and taking necessary trading actions.
• Managing the line card process and translating impacts into department WSSI forecasting.
• Reflecting short- and long-term risks and opportunities in department WSSI and communicating these to stakeholders.
• Achieving stock and turn targets through solutions-oriented approaches.
• Conducting department/brand hindsight analysis and communicating key learnings.
• Partnering with buying teams to formulate forward strategies and communicate risks and opportunities.
• Driving OTB processes and collaborating with buying teams on category changes impacting KPIs.
• Overseeing seasonal recodes and markdown communications to stores.
• Deputizing for the Planner as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Leading store visits and analyzing reports to provide feedback.
• Understanding Ralph Lauren's position within the retail environment through competitor analysis and identifying opportunities and risks.

Training and Development:

• Proactively engaging in personal and peer development.
• Seeking process improvements and efficiencies.
• Coaching team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Supporting team members' personal goals and participating in company initiatives.
• Promoting wellness and psychological safety within the team.

Communication & Partnerships:

• Building strong relationships across cross-functional teams.
• Liaising with stakeholders to review seasonal learnings and influence future buying decisions.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Effective communication skills, able to convey messages clearly to diverse audiences.
• Autonomous, results-oriented, and innovative thinking.
• Logical analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and solution-focused mindset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self-awareness and openness to feedback.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and BI tools.
• Attention to detail and resilience.
• Positive attitude and team leadership qualities.