At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of our Dog Toys category through strategic planning and data analysis.
- Company: Dynamic retail company focused on innovation and pet care.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values creativity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing category while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Hybrid: We welcome applications from those looking for hybrid working, based 3 days per week in our Handforth Office.
Contract: 12 Month FTC
About the Role
As Merchandise Planner for our Dog Toys category, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of one of our most high-profile product areas.
Partnering closely with the Senior Buyer, you'll help define and deliver the category strategy, using customer, market and trading insights to build compelling ranges that drive sales, profitability and customer engagement.
This is a highly commercial role with a strong strategic focus.
You'll lead the planning and forecasting process, using data and trend analysis to inform range decisions, stock investment and long-term category plans.
From supporting range reviews and range-building sessions through to managing stock, markdowns, clearance activity and day-to-day trading performance, you'll have end-to-end ownership across the category lifecycle.
Alongside business-as-usual trading, you'll play a key role in wider project and business planning activity, helping to drive continuous improvement and deliver strategic initiatives across the merchandising function.
There may also be opportunities for international travel to support supplier and range development activities.
We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, bring strong commercial judgement, and confidently influence decisions through insight-led recommendations.
This is an opportunity to make a real impact within a category that continues to attract significant investment, attention and growth across the business.
Key Responsibilities What youll be doing
Accountable for WSSI management, ensuring financial targets are met and risks/opportunities are clearly communicated.
Analyse weekly trading performance, identifying risks and opportunities and providing recommendations to support decision-making.
Work in partnership with Buyers and Heads of Department to influence range architecture, preparing and presenting range frameworks that align to commercial and financial strategies.
Lead the sign-off processes with robust analysis and clear KPI setting to support decision-making at a senior level.
Oversee and challenge CPA timelines, ensuring critical path adherence and effective cross-functional collaboration for seamless launches.
Champion promotional and new range launches, ensuring flawless execution and delivering right first time outcomes.
Own and lead Sales and stock management across the category,
Drive strategic stock planning and optimisation to deliver availability and sales growth while protecting margin.
Drive cost-effective exit strategies, minimising terminal stock and maximising profitability.
Lead, coach, and develop a junior member of the team, building capability and driving a high-performance culture.
About You
You'll be an experienced Merchandiser with a strong track record of driving category performance through effective planning, forecasting and commercial decision-making.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced retail environment, you'll be equally confident managing day-to-day trading activity and contributing to longer-term strategic plans.
Highly analytical and commercially astute, you're able to translate complex data into clear insights and recommendations, influencing decisions and identifying opportunities to drive sales, profitability and stock efficiency.
You'll have experience leading business planning processes, building robust forecasts, and using customer and trading data to shape category strategies.
You'll also be a collaborative leader who enjoys developing talent and building strong relationships across Buying, Supply Chain and wider business teams.
With excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, you'll be confident presenting recommendations, challenging constructively, and working in partnership to deliver results.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who thrives in a changing environment, enjoys getting involved in strategic projects, and is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a key category.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact, influence range strategy, and help drive the next phase of growth, we'd love to hear from you.
We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference.
We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People.
Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities.
Even if your skills and experience dont perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you.
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Merchandise Planner in Wilmslow employer: All The Top Bananas
As a Merchandise Planner at our Handforth Office, you'll join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities for mentorship and international travel, while fostering a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. With a focus on strategic impact and continuous improvement, this role allows you to make meaningful contributions to our high-profile Dog Toys category in a supportive and engaging environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner in Wilmslow
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner in Wilmslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to All The Top Bananas:Don’t forget to personalise your application for All The Top Bananas! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that All The Top Bananas offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at All The Top Bananas and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
