Merchandise Planner

TN United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a results-oriented professional for a 12-month Fixed Term Contract role focused on forecasting, inventory management, and strategic planning. This position offers the opportunity to drive sales and profitability through effective analysis and collaboration across teams. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact the company's success and foster a culture of growth and development.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with experience in planning and forecasting tools.
• Effective communicator with clear and concise messaging.
• Leadership by example, mentoring enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Critically analyze trade reports to influence forecasting and planning.
• Oversee inventory management and collaborate to meet stock targets.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and communicate strategies.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Organization

Microsoft Excel

BI Reporting Tools

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BI Reporting Tools

Job description

Position Overview

In season forecasting, trading, and future season planning, this role involves inventory and OTB management to maximize sales and profitability. This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operation/Financial

• Critically analyse trade reports and use knowledge to influence forecasting & promotional/MD planning.
• Influence trade actions impacting division/channel performance.
• Drive and optimise line card processes and communicate KPI impacts to stakeholders.
• Ensure maximization of KPI opportunities and minimization of risks through effective WSSI management.
• Understand long-term sales plans and translate them into department KPIs.
• Oversee inventory management, collaborate cross-functionally to meet stock targets, and communicate KPI impacts.
• Utilize hindsight assessments for financial strategy planning.
• Partner with buying counterparts to develop forward strategies, assessing risks and opportunities.
• Own the OTB process, influencing buying strategies to meet KPIs and maximize opportunities.
• Oversee seasonal markdowns and communicate with stores.
• Prioritize department tasks efficiently.

Commercial Awareness

• Leverage brand positioning and market analysis to shape future strategies.
• Conduct regular store visits and competitor reviews.

Team Development

• Proactively pursue personal and peer development.
• Collaborate on cross-functional projects and process improvements.
• Coach and train team members for effectiveness.
• Review team progress regularly.
• Participate in company initiatives.
• Promote team wellness and psychological safety.
• Lead and delegate tasks confidently.

Communications & Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate strategies and goals effectively.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Strong analytical skills with experience in planning and forecasting tools.
• Effective communicator, clear and concise messaging.
• Autonomous, results-oriented, creative thinker.
• Logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial attitude, solution-focused.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management.
• Confident and respectful challenger of ideas.
• Self-aware, receptive to feedback.
• Relationship builder within teams.
• Expert in Microsoft Excel and BI reporting tools.
• Resilient, positive under pressure.
• Detail-oriented, appreciative of good work.
• Leadership by example, mentoring enthusiasm.
• Passionate about work and product.