At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning for UK & Europe, using data to influence product decisions.
- Company: Join Gap Inc., a brand with over 50 years of iconic moments and a commitment to good.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off merchandise, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping market-relevant assortments and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Merchandise Planning, strong analytical skills, and a passion for international retail.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment recognised for its commitment to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Gap
Our past is full of iconic moments - but our future is going to spark many more. Our brands - Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta - have dressed people from all walks of life and all kinds of families, all over the world, for every occasion for more than 50 years. But we're more than the clothes that we make. We know that business can and should be a force for good, and it's why we work hard to make product that makes people feel good, inside and out. It's why we're committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. If you're one of the super-talented who thrive on change, aren't afraid to take risks and love to make a difference, come grow with us.
About the Role
This role sits within the Franchise Merchandise Planning team and is based in UK HQ. The Planner serves as the planning and product strategy lead for UK and European Franchise markets, partnering closely with Franchise Merchandising and Franchisees to shape market-relevant assortments grounded in data. This is a planning-first role with strong product sensibility. You will use analytics, store and climate profiles, and customer insights to influence what is bought, how deeply, and where it shows up, while maintaining alignment to Gap's global brand framework. You are analytical, commercially minded, and comfortable influencing through insight and storytelling-helping partners translate data into smart, executable product decisions.
What You'll Do
- Lead Franchise Merchandise Planning for UK & Europe
- Act as the primary Franchise Merchandise Planning partner for UK and European markets.
- Own category-level OTB (Open-to-Buy) planning, seasonal investment strategies, and margin targets.
- Ensure planning strategies balance global brand consistency with local market needs.
- Use Data to Inform & Influence Product Decisions
- Analyze historical performance, store profiles, climate, and customer behavior to inform location-specific assortment recommendations.
- Partner with Franchise Merchandising to influence style adoption, depth, and flow, ensuring assortments are productive and locally relevant.
- Translate data into clear, actionable insights that guide buy decisions by door, channel, and category.
- Own Investment Reviews & In-Season Performance
- Lead Investment Review meetings with Franchise partners, clearly articulating opportunities, risks, and trade-offs.
- Monitor in-season performance and recommend chase, re-allocation, or risk mitigation actions.
- Connect product decisions to financial outcomes including sales, margin, and inventory productivity.
- Cross-Functional Partnership & Process Leadership
- Represent Franchise Merchandise Planning in cross-functional forums, driving alignment across Merchandising, Product Operations, Pricing, Distribution, Marketing, and Company Planning.
- Build and evolve planning tools, reports, and workflows to support a fast-paced, international retail environment.
- Partner closely with UK-based stakeholders while aligning with global teams.
Who You Are
- A planning-led, product-curious thinker who uses data to guide and influence product decisions.
- Highly proficient in Excel (advanced formulas, data manipulation); systems-savvy and analytical.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Clear communicator and storyteller, comfortable presenting to both internal teams and external partners.
- Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable operating with autonomy.
- Interested in international retail and attuned to UK and European market nuance.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in Merchandise Planning and Buying.
- Experience supporting international, franchise, or wholesale businesses strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of assortment productivity, margin, and inventory drivers.
- Comfortable influencing without direct ownership, using insight and data to drive alignment.
- UK and/or European market experience preferred.
- Additional language skills a plus.
Benefits at Gap
- Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular‑priced merchandise at Gap, 30% off at Gap Outlet, and the ability to purchase discounted merchandise during international travel at Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy.
- Pension schemes available, depending on role.
- Market‑leading private medical healthcare and well‑being programme.
- Voluntary medical cash plan open to all employees.
- Performance‑related discretionary bonuses.
- Access to our Employee Support Programme for overall well‑being.
Gap Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long‑held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.
Gap Inc. Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe employer: Gap Inc.
Contact Detail:
Gap Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gap Inc. Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Gap Inc. and its brands like Banana Republic and Old Navy. Understanding their values and culture will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at Gap. Personal connections can often give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to merchandise planning and data analysis. Be ready to share examples of how you've used data to influence product decisions in the past. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨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 that you’re proactive and serious about joining the Gap family.
We think you need these skills to ace Gap Inc. Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Merchandise Planner role. Highlight your experience in merchandise planning and how it aligns with Gap's values and goals. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role is all about using data to inform decisions, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Mention specific tools or methods you've used to analyse data and how that has influenced your past product decisions.
Be a Storyteller: We love candidates who can translate complex data into clear insights. Use your application to tell a story about how you've successfully influenced product decisions in the past. This will show us your communication skills and your ability to connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap Inc.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Planner, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used analytics in past roles to influence product decisions. Prepare specific examples of how your insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the UK and European retail landscape. Research current trends, customer behaviours, and how Gap's brands fit into this market. Being able to speak knowledgeably about local nuances will show that you're not just a planner, but a strategic thinker.
✨Communicate Clearly
This role requires strong storytelling skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can present complex data in an understandable way, especially when discussing investment reviews or performance metrics with stakeholders.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Gap values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully partnered with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you've navigated differing opinions and driven alignment to achieve common goals, particularly in fast-paced environments.