At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning for UK & Europe, using data to influence product decisions.
- Company: Join Gap, 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: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
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 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.
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 employer: Gap Inc.
Contact Detail:
Gap Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner, Franchise - UK & Europe
✨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 your analytical side in action!
✨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 and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 our needs at Gap. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role is all about using data to inform decisions, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical abilities. Include specific examples of how you've used data in past roles to drive product decisions or improve performance.
Be a Storyteller: We love candidates who can communicate insights effectively. When writing your application, think about how you can tell a compelling story with your experiences. Show us how you’ve influenced decisions through clear communication and storytelling!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. 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 they differ across regions. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of local market nuances during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Being able to translate data into compelling narratives is key. Prepare to share examples where you've effectively communicated insights to stakeholders. Think about how you can present complex information in a clear and engaging way that aligns with Gap's brand values.
✨Collaborate and Connect
This role requires cross-functional partnership, so be ready to discuss your experience working with different teams. Highlight instances where you've successfully collaborated with merchandising, marketing, or operations to achieve common goals, showcasing your proactive and autonomous approach.