At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning for UK and Europe, using data to shape product strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading global retail brand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in international retail by influencing product decisions with data.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in merchandise planning, strong analytical skills, and Excel proficiency.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and market relevance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Merchandise Planner, Franchise employer: Gap Inc.
Contact Detail:
Gap Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner, Franchise
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. We want you to be able to translate your experiences into compelling narratives that showcase your analytical prowess and product sensibility. Remember, it’s all about making those insights relatable!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during interviews. Show your curiosity about the role and the company. We love candidates who are engaged and eager to learn more about how they can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the Franchise Merchandise Planning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner, Franchise
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 CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Merchandise Planner role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be a Storyteller: We’re all about translating data into actionable insights. In your application, tell us a story about a time you influenced product decisions through your insights. This will show us your storytelling skills and how you can communicate effectively.
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. Prepare examples of how you've influenced product decisions based on data insights.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the UK and European markets. Research current trends, customer behaviours, and local preferences. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these aspects will show that you're not just a planner, but a market-savvy thinker.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
You’ll need to translate data into actionable insights. Practice how you can present your findings in a compelling way. Think about how you can weave a narrative around your data that highlights opportunities and risks for the franchise.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires cross-functional partnership, so be prepared to discuss your experience working with different teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with merchandising, marketing, or operations to achieve common goals.