At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning and optimisation, enhancing tools and systems for better decision-making.
- Company: Join Canada Goose, a brand that empowers exploration and values community.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards, career growth opportunities, and support for mental and physical health.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values authenticity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while working with innovative planning tools.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandise planning, strong analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Canada Goose isn't like anything else. We've built something great, something special - an iconic brand with an inspirational and authentic story. At the heart of it is our promise to empower true exploration of all kinds. At Canada Goose, you're part of a movement that belongs to something bigger. One that seeks out the restorative power of nature and is driven by our purpose to embolden explorers and preserve the planet they roam. We endure any condition, observe every detail, and are building a community that believes in living bravely and coming together to support game-changing people. Here, opportunities are everywhere - to try something new, to learn, to do meaningful and impactful work, and they're yours for the taking.
Position Overview: The Manager of Merchandise Planning and Optimization will report to the Director of Merchandise Planning and play a critical role in shaping and executing the merchandise planning strategy through strong technical expertise, system implementation and analytical rigor. This role will have an initial focus on the implementation, refinement, and optimization of planning tools and systems (including assortment forecasting, OTB planning, and financial planning frameworks), it will expand to support the broader product and inventory planning agenda, partnering cross‑functionally to execute the brand’s long‑term growth strategy and ensure scalable, data‑driven decision making.
About The Role:
- Planning Tools, Systems & Technical Delivery: Lead the implementation, enhancement, and ongoing optimization of merchandise planning tools, including assortment forecasting models, OTB frameworks, and seasonal financial planning solutions. Translate business requirements into functional tool design, working with internal teams and/or external system partners to ensure solutions are fit‑for‑purpose and scalable. Own the refinement of planning logic, data inputs, assumptions, and outputs to improve forecast accuracy, inventory productivity, and investment decisions. Act as the technical subject‑matter expert for planning tools and systems, ensuring consistency of use, data integrity, and clear governance.
- Merchandise Forecasting & Financial Planning: Support the execution of the Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) process across categories and channels, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment to financial targets. Build and maintain seasonal and long‑range forecasts, aligning category‑level detail with top‑down financial targets in partnership with Finance. Produce and continuously improve hindsight reporting, scenario modelling, and performance analyses to inform future planning decisions. Support the establishment and tracking of key merchandise KPIs, including inventory turn, sell‑through, margin, and investment productivity.
- Process Refinement & Operational Excellence: Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and manual workarounds in existing planning processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Support the standardisation of planning processes, calendars, and critical paths across categories and regions. Partner with Allocation, Product Operations, Procurement, and Finance to ensure planning outputs are operationally executable and aligned with lead times and supply constraints. Contribute to broader transformation initiatives by embedding new tools and ways of working into business‑as‑usual operations, partnering with Procurement, Supply Planning and Finance.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Support: Support both Director of Merchandise planning and VP of inventory planning & Allocation to set up best in class reporting, critical path, etc. Provide analytical support and insights to senior leadership at key trading and planning milestones. Act as a bridge between strategic direction set by leadership and practical execution at team level.
About You: Advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, scenario modelling, pivots, dashboards, and structured templates. Highly analytical, technically strong merchandise planning leader who enjoys building, fixing, and improving planning tools and processes. Comfortable working in detail, handling complex datasets, and translating numbers into clear insights. Thrive in implementation‑heavy roles and are motivated by creating structure, clarity, and scalable solutions. Strong experience working with merchandise planning systems (e.g. financial planning, assortment planning, OTB tools). High level of comfort manipulating large datasets and validating data accuracy. Experience partnering with IT, Analytics, or external vendors on system implementation or enhancement. Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail analytics within premium or luxury retail. Strong understanding of retail financial metrics including OTB, margin, inventory turnover, and category performance. Proven ability to implement planning tools and systems that scale with business growth. Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills; comfortable engaging with executive leadership.
What’s in it For You? A company built on Canadian roots and heritage. Your work is recognized with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards Program. Opportunities for career growth through numerous internal and external programs. Recognize and be recognized by your peers with our Goose Rewards & ICON Rewards. Be a part of CG Gives. Donation matching and paid volunteer time to help the organizations you care about. Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health, embracing change and connecting with colleagues. Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow. At Canada Goose, we believe that belonging goes beyond mere inclusion. It’s about being part of a community that values, supports, and empowers you. We thrive when we can be our authentic selves. Our community is built on empathy and the understanding that every individual’s experience is unique, and every voice is important. We also recognize that communities are ever evolving, and that our work is never done. At Canada Goose, belonging is more than just an ideal—it’s the key to unlocking our collective potential, taking us further together.
Canada Goose is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
If you require any interview accommodation for your interview, please e-mail us at: HR@canadagoose.com.
Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization in London employer: Canada Goose
At Canada Goose, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions exploration and community. Located in the heart of London, our team enjoys a comprehensive Total Rewards Program, ample opportunities for career growth, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working alongside inspiring leaders and colleagues who empower you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Canada Goose. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company culture and values, especially their commitment to community and sustainability. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the brand too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in merchandise planning and optimisation. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization role. Highlight your experience with merchandise planning tools and systems, and show how your skills align with our mission at Canada Goose.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about data-driven decision making, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical prowess. Include examples of how you've used data to improve forecasting accuracy or optimise inventory in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Goose
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Manager of Merchandise Planning and Optimization, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your understanding of key retail metrics like OTB, margin, and inventory turnover. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
This role requires advanced Excel proficiency and experience with merchandise planning systems. Prepare examples of how you've implemented or optimised planning tools in previous positions. Highlight any specific projects where your technical skills made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Think of instances where you've partnered with IT, Finance, or other departments to achieve a common goal. Be ready to explain how you navigated challenges in those collaborations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Canada Goose values innovation and efficiency. Prepare to discuss how you've identified gaps in processes and led initiatives for improvement. Share specific examples of how your contributions have enhanced operational excellence in your previous roles.
