Merchandise Planning Assistant
Merchandise Planning Assistant

Merchandise Planning Assistant

Hatfield Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Merchandise Planners with data management and supplier communication.
  • Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket, known for unbeatable choice and service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, discounts, and 26 days holiday plus flexible bank holidays.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, grow your skills, and contribute to a leading retail brand.
  • Qualifications: Previous admin experience, good IT skills, and strong communication abilities are essential.
  • Other info: This is an entry-level role with opportunities for career growth in online retail.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

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Client:

Location:

Hatfield, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

0cde5e876e5a

Job Views:

5

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Vacancy NameMerchandise Planning AssistantVacancy NoVN1009Job TypePermanentLocationHatfieldJob Details

Merchandise Planning Assistant

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Hatfield( Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week: 40 hours

Level: Entry Level

Application closing date: Friday 15th August 2025

About us

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivaled service, and reassuringly good value.

We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading, joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket . Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, but it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind , our same-day grocery delivery service.

About the team and the role

The Merchandise Assistant will provide admin support to the Merchandise Planners and Merchandise Planning Manager. The Merchandise Planning team are responsible for optimising stock across the Ocado range. The Merchandise Assistant supports the team of Merchandise planners by actively managing and maintaining data. This enables accurate forecasting and ordering stock as well as the prompt and precise payment of supplier invoices.

Team Structure
Senior Merchandise Planning Manager
Merchandise Planning Manager
Merchandise Planner (L1/2/3)
Merchandise Planning Assistant

What you’ll do

  • Invoice Matching for a defined set of suppliers
  • Delivery Conformance Monitoring – Communicating with suppliers by email and phone about short deliveries and failed deliveries.
  • Identifying the impact of consistent shorts / failed deliveries on Sales Weighted Availability KPI and flag issues to Merchandise Planner / Merchandise Planning Manager
  • Supplier ‘out of stock’ Management – Availability Tracking and managing non-orderable products through communicating with suppliers and managing availability statuses
  • Updating supplier delivery schedules
  • Maintaining product information such as descriptions, product life, barcodes etc.
  • Undertaking periodic data checks, such as costs, VAT, product life etc.
  • Setting up new suppliers and liaising with other departments on supplier setup
  • Relisting and delisting existing lines
  • Loading clearance promotions
  • Organising purge and stock transfers with GMDC Ops
  • Running regular reports, circulating results and taking consequent actions
  • Liaising with warehouse operations teams resolving supplier non-conformance issues and dealing with supplier returns
  • Ad hoc support as required by Merchandise Planners and Merchandise Planning Managers
  • Who you are

  • Previous Experience in an administrative role
  • Experience in a Retail background
  • Good IT skills with experience using Microsoft Office in particular, Excel
  • Communication – Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail – Focus on accuracy and detail
  • Ability and aptitude – Ability to pick up tasks and to quickly learn bespoke IT systems
  • Time management – Good time management with the ability to work independently
  • Team working – Proactive and collaborative approach to work with fellow Merchandise
  • Planning Administrators and the wider Merchandise Planning team
  • Flexible and adaptable – Willingness to get involved when needed in tasks outside of their normal remit
  • What’s in it for you

    By joining Ocado Retail you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.

    If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer:

    Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with the option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.

    Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.

    Never miss the moments that matter: Blended/Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy an extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.

    Our Hiring Process

    Lucky for us, we get loads of great applications and we really appreciate that so many people put the time and effort in to apply. To recognise that, we treat all applications respectfully and fairly. So, if yours stands out, you’ll follow our standard hiring process – one of our Talent Partners will talk you through this in an initial call.

    Everyone’s welcome

    We’re an equal opportunities employer. That means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.

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    Merchandise Planning Assistant employer: Ocado Retail Ltd

    At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being a market leader in online grocery shopping, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Merchandise Planning Assistant in Hatfield, you'll enjoy hybrid working arrangements, extensive health and wellbeing benefits, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic company that values your contributions and rewards your efforts with competitive perks and a commitment to work-life balance.
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    Contact Detail:

    Ocado Retail Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planning Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Merchandise Planning Assistant. Understanding tasks like invoice matching and supplier communication will help you speak confidently about your relevant skills during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Brush up on your Excel skills, as this role requires good IT proficiency. Consider taking an online course or practicing with spreadsheets to demonstrate your capability in managing data effectively.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Network with current or former employees of Ocado Retail. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about examples from your past experiences that showcase your attention to detail and time management skills. Being ready with specific scenarios will help you stand out.

    We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planning Assistant

    Administrative Skills
    Retail Experience
    Microsoft Excel Proficiency
    Communication Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Time Management
    Team Collaboration
    Data Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Adaptability
    Supplier Relationship Management
    Report Generation
    Organisational Skills
    Ability to Learn IT Systems Quickly

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any administrative roles or retail background. Emphasise your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel, as this is crucial for the Merchandise Planning Assistant role.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and attention to detail. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed data or supported a team in previous roles, aligning your experiences with the job description.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your time management abilities and your proactive approach to teamwork. These are key traits that the company is looking for in a Merchandise Planning Assistant.

    Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully. If the company requests specific documents or information, make sure to include everything they ask for to avoid any delays in processing your application.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail Ltd

    ✨Know Your Role

    Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Merchandise Planning Assistant. Understand the key tasks such as invoice matching, delivery conformance monitoring, and supplier management. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.

    ✨Showcase Your IT Skills

    Since good IT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel, are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention specific functions or projects where you've used Excel effectively.

    ✨Emphasise Communication Skills

    Effective communication is vital in this position, particularly when liaising with suppliers. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, whether through email or phone, to resolve issues or manage relationships.

    ✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

    The role requires a strong focus on accuracy and detail. Prepare to discuss situations where your attention to detail made a difference, such as catching errors in data or ensuring compliance with processes. This will show that you understand the importance of precision in merchandise planning.

    Merchandise Planning Assistant
    Ocado Retail Ltd

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