Merchandise Planning Manager

Advocate Group; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ariat, in partnership with The Advocate Group, is seeking a Merchandise Planning Manager to lead and develop the planning function. You will drive forecasting, stock management and commercial analysis across wholesale, e-commerce and events, while building a high‑performing team and shaping new planning processes.

Reporting into senior leadership, you will own the purchasing critical path, collaborate with Product and US planning partners, and deliver regular commercial insights to maximise

Qualifications

• 5+ years planning experience in retail, fashion, wholesale, e-commerce or FMCG.
• Proven leadership and change management experience.
• Advanced forecasting, stock management and commercial analysis skills.
• Experience with apparel or consumer fashion products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning function to ensure optimal stock levels and maximise sales.
• Develop and coach the planning team and implement best practices.
• Own forecasting across wholesale, e-commerce, marketplaces and events.
• Set sales and stock targets and drive product availability.
• Collaborate with Product to identify opportunities and drive growth.
• Manage purchasing path and coordinate with Ariat International in the US.
• Oversee SAP processes and planning system improvements.
• Provide regular reporting and actionable sales/stock insights.
• Build relationships with US planning partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Forecasting

Stock management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

The Advocate Group are proud to be partnering with Ariat in their search for a Merchandise Planning Manager to lead and develop their planning function. Founded on innovation, performance and quality, Ariat has built a strong international reputation across equestrian, outdoor and lifestyle markets, with ambitious plans for continued growth.

This pivotal leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the planning function, develop a high-performing team, and introduce new processes and ways of working to support the next stage of the business.

The Role:

• You’ll lead the planning function, ensuring the business has the right stock, at the right time and in the right quantities, while maximising sales and minimising stock risk.
• Lead, develop and coach the planning team, driving high performance and best practice.
• Own forecasting and planning across wholesale, e-commerce, marketplaces and events.
• Set and manage sales and stock targets across departments and sub-categories.
• Drive excellent product availability across core and seasonal ranges.
• Work closely with Product to identify opportunities and drive category growth.
• Manage the purchasing critical path, working closely with Ariat International in the US.
• Oversee purchase orders, SAP processes, and ongoing improvements to planning systems.
• Provide regular commercial reporting and actionable sales and stock insight.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing processes and introduce new ways of working.
• Build strong relationships with US planning partners and wider business stakeholders.
• Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the planning function as Ariat continues to grow.

About You:

• We’re looking for an experienced and commercially astute planning leader who can combine strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach.
• 5+ years’ planning experience within retail, fashion, wholesale, e-commerce or FMCG.
• Proven leadership and change management experience.
• Strong forecasting, stock management and commercial analysis skills.
• Experience working with apparel, footwear or consumer fashion products.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using SAP.
• Confidence working with large datasets and turning analysis into actionable insight.
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation and time‑management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A collaborative, proactive and commercially focused approach.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.