Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic inventory management and drive sales for the Outlet channel.
- Company: Join a global planning organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 4 days onsite and 1 day WFH.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and excellence in commercial performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning, inventory management, or related fields is essential.
- Other info: This is a 3-month contract role based in London.
Looking for a Regional Planning Manager for our client in London. Duration: 3 months initially. Contract role - Inside IR35. Hybrid - 4 days onsite, 1 day WFH. Location - London.
Purpose
This position will manage EMEIA Outlet planning activities in their respective region within our client’s global planning organisation. They will act as an ambassador for our client, driving commercial performance, whilst fostering a culture of simplification, innovation, collaboration and driving excellence with key stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Taking the lead in creating strategic and controlled inventory management of the Outlet channel, through the Rolling Open to Buy and Corporate OTB process to achieve our sales, inventory and margin targets across all sales channels.
- Accountable for commercial insights in driving pre-season and in-season decisions (with a key focus on promotions) to ensure improved inventory productivity, drive sales and deliver margins.
- Accountable for quarterly buy process for the Outlet channel in line with key strategies.
- Leading the partnership and alignment across Retail, Merchandising, Allocation, Regional Finance and Central Planning teams on Open to Buy, lifecycle, fiscal risks, opportunities, markdown, and inventory management.
- Accountable for the Outlet ROTB including intake, transfers, delist and consolidations in line with the overall annual sales/inventory strategy to highlight risk and opportunities.
- Develop seasonal liquidation strategies, including markdowns, promotions, price points and % off strategy.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (Retail, Merchandising, Allocation, VM, Regional Finance, Central Planning and Store teams) to manage delist timings, cooling off periods and assortment.
- Leading the Outlet Allocation team to ensure regular store replenishment in line with key strategies.
- Managing and developing Outlet Planner to support key strategies and objectives.
- Lead the monthly inventory forecast review, working with Mainline Planner on total regional inventory forecasting in the Corporate OTB – providing insight and highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Provide key support to Director of Planning, partnering with regional teams on inventory management, driving sales and controlling margin.
Measures of success
- Divisional Net sales, AUR, Sell-thru, margin aligned to fiscal targets, including aged inventory targets.
- Divisional Rolling and Collection Open to Buy management.
- Weeks of Cover (Store).
- Development of an inspired, high performing team with strong collaboration among cross-functional teams.
Connecting with others
This role will work closely with Retail Stores and Leadership, Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Central Inventory Management team, Central Outlet teams, Regional Planning teams, Merch Planning Operations, Customer Ops, Finance and Regional Commercial teams.
Planning Manager employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the retail and planning sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in inventory management and commercial planning.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and software used in inventory management and planning, such as Open to Buy systems. Highlight your proficiency in these tools during discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with teams like Retail, Merchandising, and Finance to drive sales and manage inventory.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and consumer behaviour in the retail sector. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and opportunities can help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in inventory management, commercial planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage inventory effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with Open to Buy processes and strategic planning.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention how you improved inventory productivity or drove sales through effective markdown strategies. This will help illustrate your impact in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Planning Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of the Planning Manager role. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'Rolling Open to Buy' and 'inventory management' as these will likely come up during your discussion.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive commercial decisions in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your insights led to improved inventory productivity or sales performance, as this aligns closely with the job's focus on commercial planning excellence.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Share experiences that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively with different departments, such as Retail, Merchandising, and Finance. Emphasise your communication skills and how you foster teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to inventory management or promotional strategies. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making approach.
