At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global merchandise planning for Accessories, driving strategy and financial performance.
- Company: Join Burberry, a creative luxury brand committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that champions creativity and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury fashion while inspiring a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury retail planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
At Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today. We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values‑driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities.
JOB PURPOSE
We are seeking a strategic, commercially driven Director of Global Merchandise Planning – Accessories to lead and inspire planning excellence across a key global division. This is a high‑impact leadership role where you will shape the long‑term product strategy, influence global assortments, and drive financial performance across regions. As a senior leader within Global Merchandise Planning, you will champion innovation, collaboration, and simplicity, while delivering strong commercial outcomes and building a high‑performing team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Planning & Product Vision
- Own and deliver the 3‑year product and sales plan for Accessories in partnership with Finance and Product Strategy
- Define category ambitions, including margin, pricing, and assortment architecture
- Translate company strategy into clear planning frameworks and actionable insights
- Collection Planning & Open to Buy
- Lead Global Open to Buy strategy, setting clear guidance across divisions and regions
- Partner with Merchandising throughout collection development to ensure alignment of creative vision and financial targets
- Review and challenge regional plans to ensure consistency with global strategy
- Commercial Performance & Analysis
- Drive sales, margin, and productivity performance through insightful analysis and trading actions
- Identify risks and opportunities, optimizing inventory and maximizing in‑season trading
- Deliver impactful insights to inform future collections and business direction
- Option & Margin Planning
- Set and manage option strategies aligned to 'fewer, bigger ideas'
- Own margin planning, driving ambitious targets while balancing risk
- Embed margin considerations into all planning processes
- Market & Supply Chain Collaboration
- Analyse regional buys and ensure alignment with global assortment strategy
- Partner with Supply Chain to support forecasting and vendor planning
- Optimise inventory flow, including replenishment and end‑of‑life strategies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing global planning team
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability
- Champion talent development and succession planning across the function
PERSONAL PROFILE
- Proven experience leading divisional planning in a luxury or fast‑paced retail environment
- Strong track record in global merchandise planning, Open to Buy, and margin management
- Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and decision‑making capability
- Influential communicator, confident engaging with senior stakeholders (SVP/C‑suite)
- Collaborative leader with a passion for developing teams and driving performance
- Experience with SAP or similar systems is advantageous
Burberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.
Burberry Director, Global Merchandise Planning - Accessories in London employer: Burberry
At Burberry, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions creativity and innovation. As a leader in the luxury sector, we offer our employees unparalleled opportunities for growth and development, alongside a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking company that values diverse perspectives and empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in the world of fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Burberry Director, Global Merchandise Planning - Accessories in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Burberry!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Burberry.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Burberry.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Burberry!
We think you need these skills to ace Burberry Director, Global Merchandise Planning - Accessories in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Burberry.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Burberry!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Burberry. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burberry
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
