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- Tasks: Lead the creation of a top-notch merchandise planning function and optimise stock management.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of merchandise planning and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandise or demand planning with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Merchandise Planning Manager is a newly created strategic role responsible for establishing and embedding a best-in-class merchandise planning function. The role is to create a structured, data-led approach to demand forecasting, stock management, ranging, margin optimisation and promotional planning. Working closely with the Purchasing Director, Buying Team and Operations function, the role will introduce commercial discipline, improve visibility of forward demand, reduce stock risk and enhance availability across all key product categories.
Duties will include:
- Design and implement a merchandise planning framework and governance.
- Create an independent, data-led demand signal to support buying decisions.
- Align commercial plans with supply chain capability and inventory strategy.
- Improve forecast accuracy, stock turn, availability and working capital performance.
- Support strategic category reviews, promotional events and seasonal planning.
Key responsibilities:
- Merchandise Planning Strategy.
- Define the structure, processes and outputs of the merchandise planning function.
- Establish planning cycles (e.g. annual, quarterly, promotional and seasonal).
- Introduce category planning templates and standardised reporting.
- Develop stock and intake frameworks aligned to financial and margin (commission) targets.
Key skills required:
- Significant experience (5+ years) in merchandise planning, demand planning or commercial planning within multi-site and multi-channel retail, wholesale or buying group environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with understanding of margin, stock turn, availability and working capital drivers.
- Advanced analytical skills with strong Excel capability and experience using planning systems.
- Experience building or reshaping planning processes within a growing organisation.
- Experience in building, leading and developing teams.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate cross-functionally and at all levels across a business.
- Experience working with buying and supply chain teams in a multi-category environment.
Interested? Apply today with your CV and one of our experienced consultants will be in touch.
Merchandising Planning Manager in Andover employer: Personnel Selection
Contact Detail:
Personnel Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Planning Manager in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Merchandising Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its merchandise planning strategies. We suggest you come armed with insights on their stock management and demand forecasting practices. Show them you’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around data-led decision making and commercial acumen. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe it shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Planning Manager in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Merchandising Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in merchandise planning, demand forecasting, and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in a multi-channel retail environment.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires advanced analytical skills, don’t shy away from including specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. Mention your Excel prowess and any planning systems you’ve worked with to really stand out.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: We want to see your understanding of margin, stock turn, and availability. Use your application to illustrate how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles, as it’s crucial for this position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Personnel Selection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandising Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like stock turn, margin optimisation, and demand forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role is all about establishing a best-in-class merchandise planning function. Prepare examples of how you've designed and implemented planning frameworks in the past. Highlight your experience with aligning commercial plans and supply chain capabilities.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to show your ability to influence and collaborate. Think of specific instances where you've successfully worked with buying or supply chain teams to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves building and leading teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've developed team members or reshaped processes within an organisation, showcasing your ability to drive change.