Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe in London
Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe

Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Gap Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead merchandise planning for UK & Europe, using data to influence product decisions.
  • Company: Join Gap, a brand committed to making a positive impact in communities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% off merchandise, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping market-relevant assortments and driving change.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in merchandise planning, strong analytical skills, and commercial acumen.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and international exposure.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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.

For eligible employees

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 - UK & Europe 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 within a collaborative environment that values your insights and contributions to shape market-relevant assortments. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we continue to evolve and inspire through our iconic brands.
Gap Inc.

Contact Detail:

Gap Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe in London

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Gap's values, their brands, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Use data and insights from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've made impactful decisions. Remember, they want to see how you think and solve problems!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Gap family. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe in London

Merchandise Planning
Data Analysis
Open-to-Buy (OTB) Planning
Seasonal Investment Strategies
Commercial Acumen
Excel (Advanced Formulas, Data Manipulation)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Product Strategy
Assortment Productivity
Inventory Management
Market Analysis
Communication Skills
Storytelling
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of UK and European Markets

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Analytical Skills: Make sure to highlight your analytical prowess in your application. We want to see how you use data to inform decisions, so share examples of how you've done this in past roles.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Merchandise Planner role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do.

Be a Storyteller: We’re looking for clear communicators who can tell a compelling story with data. In your application, include instances where you’ve successfully influenced decisions through insights and storytelling.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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 they impact merchandise planning. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market 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. Prepare to present a case study or example where you influenced a decision through data-driven insights, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external partners.

✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit

Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and driven alignment across different departments, as this will demonstrate your proactive and collaborative approach.

Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe in London
Gap Inc.
Location: London
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