At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning, analyse data, and drive financial strategies for Franchisees across EMEA.
- Company: Join Gap Inc., a global leader in fashion retail, known for innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that influences product success and enhances customer experiences globally.
- Qualifications: 5-7+ years in merchandise planning, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Position based in London with regular commuting to the office; international travel may be necessary.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Client:
375 GPS Strategic Alliances LLC
Location:
United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
Job Views:
15
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
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Job Description:
About the Role
In this role, you will be part of the Franchise Merchandise Planning team, bringing the financial strategy behind our product vision to life for Franchisees across EMEA and Pureplay. As Manager, Merchandise Planning, you and your team will drive the success of multiple divisions and product categories by executing wholesale and margin budgets, leveraging product performance analysis across key accounts.
You are passionate about using your qualitative and quantitative skillset in a corporate fashion retail environment and find joy in identifying global market nuances. You are curious, innovative, and focused on executing an amazing customer experience across the global while delivering/exceeding financial targets. Strong analytical and storytelling skills will serve you well, and a collaborative mindset is a must.
This position is based in London and requires regular commuting to the Gap Inc. office to collaborate with teams including Franchise Merchandising, Account Management & Planning, Product Operations, Business Analytics, Store Experience, Marketing, and the Gap Brand Omni Product and Planning teams.
What You\’ll Do
- Partner cross-functionally with Franchise Merchants and Account Planning to develop and communicate comprehensive financial strategies that align with product opportunities by division and department.
- Create and manage preseason strategies to drive wholesale, margin, and inventory that support product and business goals, incorporating market nuances.
- Analyze historical data and in-season performance to identify risks, opportunities, and trends by division and department, recommending actions to achieve financial targets.
- Present financial findings and action plans in Open-to-Buy meetings and cross-functional reviews, influencing seasonal investments and setting financial benchmarks at the partner level.
- Lead regular business presentation, sharing financial results, product learnings, and recommended actions with cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
- Collaborate with global peers to ensure consistency of strategy and tools, share best practices, and foster a results-oriented, innovative planning environment.
- Build strong partnerships with internal teams (Merchandising, Production, Distribution, Company Planning, etc) and external Franchisees, ensuring alignment and communication throughout the planning and buying process.
- Continuously evolve planning processes and tools to meet the needs of a dynamic retail environment and diverse Franchisee markets, driving efficiency and performance.
Who You Are
- Proficient in Excel, including data manipulation and advanced formulas; comfortable navigating planning systems and tools.
- Demonstrates strong business acumen and strategic agility, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Builds effective, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and time zones; believes in the power of teamwork and partnership.
- Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, able to assess complex situations, analyze data, and drive solutions with speed and creativity.
- Strong communicator, with excellent listening, written, and verbal skills; able to clearly present ideas and influence stakeholders.
- Thrives in a self-directed role, using initiative and resourcefulness to achieve goals and resolve issues independently.
- Ability to travel internationally on a regular basis as needed.
- Minimum of 5–7+ years of merchandise planning or buying experience, with a proven track record of delivering results.
- Experience managing direct reports, including coaching, development, and performance management.
- Wholesale or consulting experience is a plus, especially in cross-functional or client-facing environments.
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Manager, Merchandise Planning – Gap Franchise EMEA + Pureplay employer: 375 GPS Strategic Alliances LLC
Contact Detail:
375 GPS Strategic Alliances LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Merchandise Planning – Gap Franchise EMEA + Pureplay
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the merchandise planning and retail sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at Gap or similar companies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in merchandise planning and financial strategies within the fashion retail industry. Being knowledgeable about current market nuances will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive business decisions in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how your insights have influenced product performance or financial outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative mindset by highlighting experiences where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Merchandise Planning – Gap Franchise EMEA + Pureplay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandise planning and financial strategy. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the fashion retail industry and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Share specific examples of past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this position, include examples of how you've used data analysis to drive business decisions. Highlight any experience with Excel or planning systems that demonstrates your proficiency.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to merchandise planning and how you would handle cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to share insights on market trends and how they could impact financial strategies.
How to prepare for a job interview at 375 GPS Strategic Alliances LLC
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Manager in Merchandise Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical abilities. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles, and be ready to discuss specific metrics or outcomes that resulted from your analyses.
✨Understand the Brand and Market Nuances
Familiarise yourself with Gap's brand values and the specific market dynamics in EMEA and Pureplay. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor merchandise strategies to meet the unique needs of different markets, showcasing your understanding of global trends.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built effective relationships to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Coaching Experience
Since the position involves managing direct reports, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've coached team members, managed performance, and fostered a collaborative environment to drive results.