At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning to maximise sales and profitability across product categories.
- Company: Join Gap, a global retailer celebrating inclusivity and modern American style.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic retail environment while leading a high-performance team.
- Qualifications: Proven merchandise planning experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and wellbeing in a supportive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Merchandise Manager – 12 Month FTC
Gap UK
Location: Head Office, Oxford Street, London
Working style: Hybrid
About Gap
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 high‑performance 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 fast‑paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and time zones.
- Self‑starter with strong problem‑solving 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 self‑directed 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 work‑life balance.
- Personal development plans and learning opportunities.
- Early bank holiday finishes and year‑round 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
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Analyst, Product Management, and Strategy/Planning
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Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC employer: Gap UK
Contact Detail:
Gap UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Gap through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Gap’s latest collections and trends. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate merchandiser who gets their brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present strategies or ideas during interviews. Get comfortable with summarising your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨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 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager - 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandise Manager role. Highlight your experience in merchandise planning and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive sales and profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Gap. Share your passion for retail, your strategic thinking skills, and how you can contribute to our diverse team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we love data-driven decisions, make sure to mention your proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets. Give examples of how you've used data analysis to inform buying decisions or improve inventory management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap UK
✨Know Your Merchandise Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Gap's product lines and recent collections. Familiarise yourself with their merchandise strategies and how they align with current market trends. This will not only show your passion for the brand but also demonstrate your ability to contribute to their financial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data analysis to drive sales and profitability in previous roles. Bring along any relevant metrics or case studies that highlight your success in managing inventory levels and optimising stock rotation. This will illustrate your strong business acumen and strategic agility.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Gap values collaboration across diverse teams, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully worked with buyers, marketing, and store teams. Highlight how you’ve built effective relationships and led a team of merchandisers, showcasing your leadership skills and ability to cultivate a high-performance culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse complex situations and deliver creative solutions quickly. This will help you demonstrate your self-starter attitude and resourcefulness.