Merchandise Planner

Michael Kors; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion brand is seeking a Planner to drive financial strategies across multiple retail categories. This role includes team management, omnichannel strategy implementation, and creating comprehensive financial reports. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree, retail planning experience, and strong analytical skills while thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Planning or Merchandising.
• Computer Literate – Advanced Excel Skills.
• Experience managing junior level reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial targets by department and category.
• Create reports and develop financial plans.
• Work closely with buying team to analyze merchandise assortments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Creative thinking

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Planner

Department: Retail Corporate

Location: London

Reports: Planning Manager

Main Job Objectives

The primary purpose of this position is to initiate analysis and develop a financial strategy for a rapidly growing retail business across multiple classifications. To manage & be responsible for multiple departments to ensure the maximisation of commercial opportunities. To manage a multi-tiered team, to appraise & to develop personnel.

Essential Job Opportunities

Key Responsibilities:

• To set and manage financial targets by department and category
• Update, manage and present monthly OTB to management.
• Omni-channel management (Lifestyle, E-com & Outlets) and understanding the nuances of each channel.
• Work through WSSIs/ Linecards to identify opportunities in sales and to minimise risk
• Create reports/recaps of the business, develop financial plans and monitor the performance of sales, inventory, markdowns and profit by classification from a top-line to store level
• Work closely with the buying team to analyze seasonal merchandise assortments and execute merchandising strategies in line with OTB
• Expected to produce regular and ad hoc analysis based on ROS, densities as well as sales, cover and present these findings to senior management
• Initiate and create analysis to recap business by classification and style at top-line and regional level. Partner with buying team to implement findings & create actionable strategies to drive sales and achieve gross margin profitability
• Recommend buys based on thorough analysis of retail business prior to each market to achieve increased sales, profitability and sell-through %
• Partner with Retail team to understand new areas of opportunity & monitor performance in order to achieve plans
• Work with Allocator to ensure understanding of trading calendar, also highlighting areas of opportunity to maximize sales and stock opportunities.
• Monitor flow and delivery of new assortments, flagging risks and opportunities to Senior Management.
• Recap key item rankings by classification, style, color and size. Review best seller reports on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis to understand key associated metrics.
• Produce and analyze weekly trade reports recapping sales, inventory and gross margin vs. plan and projection by classification, style and door
• To build and develop a highly motivated and results driven team
• Develop robust Exit strategies for old stock and highlight opportunities within off-price channel

Work Experience

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree
• Previous experience within a Planning or Merchandising position (preferably within retail)
• Computer Literate – Advanced Excel Skills
• Prior experience managing junior level reports
• Strong analytical and creative problem solving skills
• Ability to thrive in entrepreneurial environment
• Handbag/Accessories or Ready-to-wear background preferred
• Experience in large high street retailers also preferred
• Strong analytical skills, creative problem solving skills and ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment are a must, candidates must be dynamic & resilient and happy to do business at fast pace