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- Tasks: Lead buying, planning, and stock allocation for a luxury retailer.
- Company: Global luxury retailer with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on commercial strategy in the luxury fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and inventory planning, preferably in luxury fashion.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive data-led decisions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Mode Search are partnering with a global luxury retailer in their search for a Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager. This role carries ownership of the commercial execution of the collection strategy for the business, translating seasonal assortment plans into profitable sales, efficient stock management and strong trading performance across channels. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including merchandising, finance and production, making a crucial impact on sell-through, inventory strategy and ongoing commercial decision-making.
As the Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager you will take responsibility for end-to-end buying, forecasting, inventory planning, and allocation across multiple channels (including ecommerce, retail, and wholesale). Your analysis, commercial insight, and robust planning will ensure alignment with budgets, sales forecasts and margin targets, while driving strong in-season performance.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead buying, planning, and stock allocation activities to support overall commercial strategy, budget and forecast alignment across channels.
- Construct seasonal buys and assortment plans by channel and region, balancing commercial opportunity with stock risk and customer demand.
- Drive end-to-end forecasting (seasonal and in-season) at SKU level, regularly updating projections to inform reorders and allocation decisions.
- Analyse post-season performance (sales, stock, margin, pricing) and translate insight into clear recommendations for future cycles.
- Own and manage OTB (Open-to-Buy), stock levels, and WSSI (Weeks of Supply, Sell-Through and Intake) across channels.
- Optimise allocation and replenishment strategies to support sell-through and ensure product availability aligns with demand.
- Use in-season analysis to make commercial decisions including reorders, pricing actions, promotional strategy and markdowns.
- Partner cross-functionally with Production, Merchandising and Finance to align forecasts, lifecycle plans, pricing strategy and cash-flow considerations.
- Significant experience in buying, commercial planning, inventory planning, or allocation, ideally within luxury or premium fashion/accessories.
- Strong commercial and analytical capability, with confidence managing OTB, WSSI and forecasting at SKU level.
- Demonstrable ability to influence across functions and make data-led commercial decisions.
- Advanced Excel and planning system competence with excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent communicator with a structured, proactive approach to delivery.
Please note: due to high volumes of interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager (Mat cover 15 mths)- Luxury Retail in City of London employer: MODE SEARCH Ltd.
Contact Detail:
MODE SEARCH Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager (Mat cover 15 mths)- Luxury Retail in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the luxury retail space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your commercial insights and analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed OTB and WSSI in past roles, and come armed with examples of how your decisions positively impacted sales and inventory management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel skills! Since this role requires advanced planning system competence, consider creating a portfolio that highlights your data analysis projects. This will demonstrate your ability to make data-led commercial decisions effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager (Mat cover 15 mths)- Luxury Retail in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager. Highlight your experience in buying and inventory planning, especially within luxury retail, to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills align with the job description. Don’t forget to mention your analytical capabilities and how you’ve influenced commercial decisions in past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. We want to see your ability to manage OTB and WSSI effectively!
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 keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MODE SEARCH Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buying, Planning & Allocation Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like OTB and WSSI before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive sales and manage inventory effectively.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience
This role requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with merchandising, finance, or production in previous positions. Highlight specific projects where your input made a significant impact on commercial decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as managing stock levels during peak seasons or adjusting forecasts based on sales trends. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Luxury Retail
Show that you understand the luxury market and its unique challenges. Research the company’s brand, values, and recent collections. Be prepared to discuss how your personal style aligns with their offerings and how you can contribute to their commercial success.
