At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning to maximise sales and profitability across product categories.
- Company: Join Gap, a global retailer known for modern American style and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic retail environment while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven merchandise planning experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Gap is a global retailer with over 3,352 stores across more than 40 countries. We offer modern American style clothing that blends heritage with contemporary design. We celebrate inclusivity and champion diverse ideas that transcend generations, geographies, and genders.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Merchandiser / Merchandise Manager to lead the Merchandise Planning team for Gap UK. In this role you will bring financial strategy to life across multiple channels, driving product vision, sales and profitability.
Role Responsibilities
- Develop and implement merchandise strategies to maximize sales and profitability across product categories within the UK market.
- Collaborate with buyers to develop commercial plans that inform assortment selection and OTB.
- Oversee seasonal sales forecasts at the channel, divisional and season code levels, and propose strategies to achieve sales and inventory objectives.
- Manage the full product lifecycle from concept to launch, including product buys, stock management and promotional activities.
- Coordinate with trade teams, marketing and store teams to ensure a cohesive strategy across channels that reflects seasonal commercial plans.
- Present weekly and quarterly trade meetings, summarising performance and outlining actionable strategies for continuous improvement.
- Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain teams to optimise stock rotation and minimise obsolescence.
- Analyse sales data, market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and inform buying decisions.
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of merchandisers, cultivating a highâperformance culture.
- Continuously evolve planning processes and tools to meet the needs of a dynamic retail environment, driving efficiency and performance.
Role Requirements
- Merchandise planning experience with a proven track record of delivering results.
- Experience managing direct reports, including coaching, development and performance management.
- Proficient in Excel and Google Sheets, including advanced formulas and data manipulation; comfortable navigating planning systems and tools.
- Strong business acumen and strategic agility, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise effectively in a fastâpaced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and time zones.
- Selfâstarter with strong problemâsolving skills, able to assess complex situations, analyse data and deliver solutions with speed and creativity.
- Excellent communicator, with strong listening, written and verbal skills; able to present ideas clearly and influence stakeholders.
- Thrives in a selfâdirected role, using initiative and resourcefulness to achieve goals and resolve issues independently.
What we can offer you
- 25% off Next, Gap and Victoria's Secret products and up to 15% off branded beauty.
- Exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work.
- Life assurance and travel card loan.
- Hybrid and flexible working across the business to support workâlife balance.
- Personal development plans and learning opportunities.
- Early bank holiday finishes and yearâround office events.
Diversity & Inclusion
We recognise that our differences make us stronger. We want people to feel welcomed and empowered to be their authentic selves. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and realise their full potential. We promote wellbeing by supporting mental, physical and financial health for our workforce.
Seniority Level: MidâSenior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Analyst, Product Management, and Strategy/Planning
Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC in London employer: Gap UK
Contact Detail:
Gap UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gap's values and recent news. Show us that youâre not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for the brand and how you can contribute to our mission.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the Merchandise Manager role. We want to hear how youâve tackled challenges and driven results in your previous roles.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us youâre genuinely interested in joining the Gap team.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Merchandise Manager role. Highlight your merchandise planning experience and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Gap. Donât forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and profitability.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we're looking for someone proficient in Excel and data analysis, make sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can manipulate data to inform buying decisions and improve performance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that youâre genuinely interested in joining our team at Gap!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap UK
â¨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like sales forecasts, inventory levels, and profitability ratios. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
â¨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented merchandise strategies in previous positions. Think about specific challenges you faced and how your strategic approach led to successful outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you can bring their financial strategy to life.
â¨Collaboration is Key
Gap values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with buyers, marketing teams, and store staff in the past. Highlight any successful projects where you worked across departments to achieve a common goal.
â¨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation based on a past project to showcase your ability to influence stakeholders effectively.