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- Tasks: Manage inventory and trading performance for a premium lifestyle brand.
- Company: Join a leading lifestyle brand with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion retail, driving key business decisions.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in merchandise planning or retail trading, strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Premium lifestyle brand is looking for a commercially driven and detail-oriented Merchandise Planner & Trader with a strong analytical mindset. We are seeking a commercially minded planner who understands that inventory is a key driver of cash flow and business performance.
This role is responsible for inventory planning, Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, and ongoing trading performance across the DTC business. You will ensure that the right product is available at the right time, while maintaining control of stock turn, margin, and aged inventory.
Working closely with leadership, finance, operations, and suppliers, you will align inventory investment with demand and manage stock as a critical component of working capital. This is a hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys actively trading the business week-to-week, using data and commercial judgement to inform decisions.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and maintain seasonal and monthly merchandise plans
- Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) and overall inventory investment
- Forecast demand and align intake with trading performance
- Maintain clear visibility of stock levels, intake timing, and commitments
- Lead weekly trading reviews, analysing sales performance, sell-through & stock cover
- Adjust intake, replenishment, and allocation to optimise performance
- Ensure availability of best sellers while mitigating overbuy risk
- Maintain healthy stock turn and optimal inventory levels
- Monitor aged inventory and implement strategies to manage slow-moving stock
- Oversee stock allocation across DTC channels
- Proactively manage risks relating to overstock and stockouts
- Partner with production teams to manage order quantities and delivery timelines in line with OTB and cash flow
- Adjust production commitments based on trading performance
- Ensure supply plans support demand while maintaining disciplined inventory levels
- Collaborate with senior leadership & finance to manage inventory & working capital
- Monitor margin performance and ensure trading decisions support profitability
- Maintain accurate reporting, forecasting, and planning tools
- 3–6 years’ experience in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Planning, or Retail Trading
- Background in fashion, apparel, or lifestyle retail
- Experience within DTC or omnichannel environments
- Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel skills
- Solid understanding of key metrics including sell-through, stock cover, stock turn, and margin
- Experience managing Open-to-Buy (OTB)
- Ability to translate data into clear, actionable trading decisions
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
This is working 3 days hybrid (Mon/Tues/Thur), 2 home.
Merchandise Planner in Slough employer: Consumer Additions and Consumer Exec
Contact Detail:
Consumer Additions and Consumer Exec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner in Slough
✨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 products. Understand their inventory strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Be ready to showcase how you’ve used data to make decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you’ve managed stock levels or improved cash flow through effective planning.
✨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 Merchandise Planner in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandise Planner role. Highlight your experience in inventory planning and any relevant achievements that showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how you can drive cash flow and business performance!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in fashion or lifestyle retail makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Open-to-Buy management!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to inform trading decisions in the past. We love seeing candidates who can translate numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Consumer Additions and Consumer Exec
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like sell-through, stock cover, and margin. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive inventory decisions.
✨Showcase Your Trading Experience
This role is all about actively trading the business. Prepare examples of how you've managed Open-to-Buy (OTB) and adjusted inventory based on trading performance. Highlight specific instances where your decisions positively impacted cash flow and stock levels.
✨Collaboration is Key
You'll be working closely with various teams, so emphasise your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Think of examples where you've partnered with finance, operations, or suppliers to align inventory with demand and improve overall performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenarios related to overstock and stockouts. Think through how you would manage these situations, using data and commercial judgement to inform your decisions.