At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning tools and systems, optimising processes for better inventory management.
- Company: Join a renowned Canadian brand with a rich heritage and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards, career growth opportunities, and support for mental and physical health.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to community and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail planning while collaborating with inspiring leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandise planning, strong Excel skills, and experience with planning systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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. The role focuses on implementing and optimizing planning tools and systems (e.g., assortment forecasting, OTB planning, financial planning frameworks) and will expand to support broader product and inventory planning.
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 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 to set up best-in-class reporting and critical path management.
- 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.
- Motivated by creating structure, clarity, and scalable solutions, especially in implementation-heavy roles.
- 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.
- Recognition through Goose Rewards & ICON Rewards.
- Be a part of CG Gives, with donation matching and paid volunteer time.
- Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health.
- Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow.
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.
Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization employer: Canada Goose
Canada Goose is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a comprehensive Total Rewards Program and numerous opportunities for career growth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, including access to resources for physical and mental health, and a supportive work culture that encourages recognition and community involvement, Canada Goose fosters an environment where talent thrives and contributions are celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their merchandise planning strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can help optimise their processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience with planning tools and systems, and how you've improved processes in the past. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you can deliver it smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with merchandise planning tools and systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical prowess!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical expertise, be sure to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with planning systems. We love seeing candidates who can manipulate data and translate it into actionable insights!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences related to merchandise planning.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Goose
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the merchandise planning tools mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your Excel skills, especially with complex formulas and scenario modelling, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've improved forecast accuracy or optimised inventory productivity. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate how your analytical prowess has led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key retail financial metrics like OTB, margin, and inventory turnover. Be ready to explain how these metrics influence planning decisions and how you’ve used them to drive performance in past positions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to engage with senior leadership, so prepare to present your ideas and insights in a way that’s easy to understand, even for those who may not be as technical.
