At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning and demand forecasting to optimise retail performance.
- Company: Join a leading consumer retail business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail planning and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandise planning and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
MacGregor Black is partnering with a leading consumer retail business to appoint a Merchandise Planning Lead, a newly created strategic role establishing a best-in-class planning function. The role will shape how planning supports buying, supply chain and performance, using data-led forecasting, stock management, and promotional planning to optimise outcomes.
You will build and lead the merchandise planning function, develop annual, seasonal and promotional cycles, and own demand forecasting.
Head of Merchandise Planning & Demand Forecasting employer: MacGregor Black
MacGregor Black is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets retail property management. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative culture, we provide our team with opportunities for growth and advancement while managing a diverse national property portfolio. Our commitment to sustainability and compliance ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and fosters meaningful relationships within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandise Planning & Demand Forecasting
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like MacGregor Black, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like MacGregor Black!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandise Planning & Demand Forecasting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at MacGregor Black, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at MacGregor Black and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show MacGregor Black that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
