At a Glance
- Tasks: Forecast demand and manage stock allocation for Clarks' retail and digital channels.
- Company: Join Clarks, a heritage brand known for innovative shoemaking since 1825.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a global business while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience with inventory management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Street (On-Site)
Contract: Maternity Cover Fixed Term 1 year
About the role:
The role of Merchandise Planner is to produce an accurate demand forecast for all Clarks owned points of purchase for a given gender across retail, digital and (where applicable) outlet, and use systems to manage the allocation and replenishment of stock from the Distribution Centre, in order to ensure the right product is delivered to the right place at the right time and stock levels are optimised. Review and update forecasts in response to sales, lost sales, promotions and commercial plans to provide an accurate make signal to Supply Chain. Manage stock through the end to end Supply Chain process based on the consensus forecast, ensuring plans can be delivered within the constraints of the regional supply chain including Distribution Centre capacity, store delivery schedules and lead times.
- Produce and maintain long term (pre-season) and short term (in-season) forecasts to enable Merchandising and Supply Chain to get the right product the right place at the right time.
- Set the time and size profiles at line, category and gender level for feed-in to the seasonal forecasting process (make and sales).
- Feed-in to seasonal assortment plan the recommended initial allocation v replen profile.
- Work collaboratively with Merchandise to deliver forecasts that meet commercial requirements, including like-for-like matches for new products, planned promotions, store openings/closures, and unplanned events.
- Set the seasonal assortment and allocation plan in demand & fulfilment aligned to the merchandising assortment plan and trading plan - challenge any discrepancies to merchandising and align to ensure accuracy.
- Optimise the store level profiles and overall size/time phase profile in response to trading pattern.
- Regularly check and monitor sales, react accordingly to ensure new product forecasts align with Merchandisers plans.
- Manage start of season launch of new product into stores in conjunction with Supply Chain and Merchandising planning team to ensure accurate on time delivery.
- Maintain forecast accuracy and continuously review to improve accuracy and maintain correct stock levels.
- Review forecast accuracy exception reports by channel to determine root causes, fix and tune largest error/volume lines and react to large changes.
- Ensure stock allocation happens in line with plan.
- Optimise in-season profiles to optimise availability and respond to changes in the trading plan.
- Optimise stock distribution in-season - execute settings and parameters in JDA Fulfilment system to optimise stock distribution in line with the strategy and the forecast in JDA Demand.
- Manage through any changes to Demand & Fulfilment profiles as a result of assortment plan changes or recall activity.
- Respond to ad hoc requests to adjust profiles on a weekly basis - evaluating impact to inventory position, cover and executing where required.
- Liaise with Supply Chain on weekly basis to support accurate planning of distribution centres, stores and logistics.
- Escalate issues with product set up such as incorrect assortment with the relevant business teams for resolution.
- Manage end of life markdowns and effective distribution of stock to stores to enable the agreed exit strategy through dynamic allocation.
About you:
Skills:
- Highly developed numerical, analytical and interpretive skills.
- Ability to use analytics tools, e.g. SQL, databases, BI, Excel to perform analysis.
- Experience with allocation and replenishment systems preferred.
- Strong interpersonal/communication skills with ability to initiate and build strong relationships with key teams across functions.
- Very high attention to detail with ability to spot issues and exceptions when reviewing data.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the merchandise planning process.
- Knowledge of demand forecasting methods and inventory concepts preferred.
Experience:
- Good commercial skills and judgement.
- Experience and/or good understanding of retail.
- Proactive and resilient with ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
- Experience of working proactively.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with other teams.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working options
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative culture
- Comprehensive benefits package
Why join us?
At Clarks, you'll be part of a brand with heritage, craftsmanship, and style at its core. We offer great training, career progression, and the chance to make your mark in a global business.
About Clarks:
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825 when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time, it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive, more than 22,000 pairs of shoes have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognisable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.
Disclaimer: This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company's discretion at any time, with or without notice.
Locations
Merchandiser/ Planner - Hybrid in Bath, Somerset employer: Clarks
Clarks is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative culture that fosters career development and progression opportunities. Located in Somerset, the company provides flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an ideal place for those seeking to grow within a globally recognised brand steeped in heritage and craftsmanship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser/ Planner - Hybrid in Bath, Somerset
✨Tap into Temp Agency Networks
If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like Clarks that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!
✨Make Your Skills Shine
In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at Clarks or have tips on where to look.
✨Be Agile and Available
For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like Clarks will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser/ Planner - Hybrid in Bath, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!
Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.
Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.
Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress Clarks and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarks
✨Know Your Supply Chain Tools
Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at Clarks, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to Clarks.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.
