Merchandise Planner

The Merchandise Planner & Allocator is a key role with direct responsibility for efficient planning, forecasting, trading and analysis in conjunction with the Senior Merchandise Planner. The role requires a strong understanding of retail merchandise planning disciplines and experience with forecasting and order management. They will also need to possess organizational skills, a high level of attention to detail, along with the ability to work within a team and independently. The role will have a direct impact on maximizing availability, sales and inventory management to meet annual budgets.
Job Scope
Merchandise Financial and Assortment Planning
Support merchandise planning team to deliver all strategic objectives and business budgets
Independent ownership of a full category's end-to-end merchandising functions
Assist Senior Merchandise Planner with determining revenue budget plans, in-season forecasts and OTB management for the department
Prepare sales, inventory and margin analysis for the category to ensure forecasts are in line with budgets
Assist in annual review process and make recommendations where necessary on range rationalization/growth
Prepare re-order quantities for specific category based on sales data
Ensure a high level of availability is maintained all year whilst working within OTB and stock targets
Work alongside Assistant Merchandise Planner to manage stock flow from suppliers into the business to ensure availability targets are met
Work in collaboration with VM team to manage outlet level stock triggers for their category
Propose promotions to maintain inventory and sales budgets
Analyze the effectiveness of promotions to assist in developing a long-term promotion strategy
In Season Management
Prepare sales, inventory and margin analysis for the category to ensure forecasts are in line with budgets
Provide detailed summary for any revised sales, inventory and margin plans to be signed off and agreed with Senior Merchandise Planner
At least four years experience managing a category/sub-category merchandising responsibility
Experience within year-end reviews and ability to present to senior management
Experience within Apparel, Toys or Home & Gifting
Analytical skills to make commercial decisions
Problem solving and critical thinking
Ability to prioritize and manage workload
Ability to establish relationships, internal & external
Strong attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
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