At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning for UK and Europe, using data to influence product decisions.
- Company: Join Gap, a brand with over 50 years of iconic moments and a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off merchandise, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity.
- 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.
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 behaviour 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.
Merchandise Planner, Franchise in London employer: Gap Inc.
At Gap, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion while fostering personal and professional growth. As a Merchandise Planner in our UK HQ, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including generous discounts on our brands, comprehensive healthcare, and performance-related bonuses, all while collaborating with passionate teams to shape market-relevant assortments that resonate with customers across Europe. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the retail industry and be part of a company that values your insights and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner, Franchise in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Gap Inc., so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Gap Inc.!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner, Franchise in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Gap Inc., customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Gap Inc. and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Gap Inc. that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap Inc.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
