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 in merchandising.
- 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
Merchandise Planner in Somerset, Street employer: Clarks
Clarks is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative culture, offering flexible working options and comprehensive benefits. With a strong emphasis on career development and progression, employees are encouraged to grow within the company while being part of a brand renowned for its heritage and craftsmanship. Located in Somerset, this role as a Merchandise Planner provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a global business with a rich history in innovative shoemaking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner in Somerset, Street
✨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 Somerset, Street
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 Clarks:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Clarks! 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 Clarks
✨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 Clarks 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 Clarks and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
