At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data and trends to shape commercial decisions in a global retail environment.
- Company: Fast-growing global retailer with a dynamic merchandising team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 33 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving stock and sales performance through data-driven insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in forecasting, strong Excel skills, and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a fast-paced e-commerce setting.
Are you currently working in a forecasting, analyst, or retail e-commerce planning role? A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully. Do you enjoy using data, trends, and insight to shape commercial decisions across a global retail business? Our client is a fast-growing, global retailer seeking an experienced Forecast Merchandiser to join their merchandising team. This is a key role working closely with the Head of Merchandising and cross-functional teams to strategically drive stock and sales performance across all trading markets and channels. The ideal candidate will have a strong forecasting background, thrive in a fast-paced e-commerce environment, and enjoy influencing business decisions through data-driven insight.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create demand forecasts by category, season, and channel using historical data, market insight, and seasonal trends.
- Collaborate with Buying, Design, and Purchasing teams to align forecasts with merchandising strategies.
- Monitor stock levels and recommend adjustments to improve availability and reduce risk.
- Partner with other departments to incorporate promotions, launches, and events into forecasts.
- Track and report forecast accuracy, providing actionable insight to the Head of Merchandising and Directors.
- Identify risks and opportunities in demand planning and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Lead allocation planning and product selection to optimise performance across all sales channels.
- Attend logistics meetings and manage inbound inventory bottlenecks.
- Use AI tools, advanced Excel, and Power BI to model scenarios and optimise inventory.
- Review high stock levels and propose promotional and pricing strategies to clear excess stock.
- Present performance vs forecast to the wider business with recommendations for future planning.
- Support the development of merchandising systems, reports, and dashboards.
- Develop contingency plans for demand volatility, supply chain disruption, and market change.
- Contribute to sustainability by reducing markdowns, overproduction, and stock wastage.
- Mentor and support junior members of the merchandising team where required.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in forecasting and trend analysis within a fast-paced global retail environment.
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to drive department performance.
- Confident presenting KPIs to teams and senior management.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with retail systems (Oracle and/or NetSuite desirable).
- Experience using Power BI, AI tools, or scenario modelling.
- Strong awareness of market trends and trading conditions.
- Experience within an e-commerce business.
- Ability to anticipate and manage supply chain risk and demand fluctuation.
- Collaborative working style with strong stakeholder relationship skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Additional Information:
- Full-time, Monday–Friday
- Hybrid working: 3 days office-based / 2 days WFH
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Pension scheme
- Employee discount
- Career development and progression opportunities
To express interest in this promising role, kindly forward your latest CV, detailing your present or most recent remuneration package and any notice period you might have.
Forecast Merchandiser in Banbury employer: Plus One Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Plus One Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forecast Merchandiser in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how they use data in merchandising. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Forecast Merchandiser, you'll need to present KPIs and insights. Grab a friend or family member and run through your findings to build confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Forecast Merchandiser in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Forecast Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience in forecasting, data analysis, and any relevant e-commerce roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your advanced Excel skills and experience with tools like Power BI. If you've used AI tools or have a knack for scenario modelling, let us know! This is your chance to shine.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role is all about using data to drive decisions, include examples of how you've used data insights in your previous roles. We love seeing how you’ve influenced business outcomes through your analytical skills.
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 get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plus One Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Forecast Merchandiser, you'll be expected to handle data like a pro. Brush up on your forecasting techniques and be ready to discuss how you've used historical data and market insights in your previous roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to create demand forecasts and influence business decisions.
✨Collaborate Like a Champ
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaborative skills. Think of instances where you’ve partnered with Buying, Design, or Purchasing teams to align forecasts with merchandising strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you manage stakeholder relationships and ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Show Off Your Tech Skills
Familiarity with advanced Excel, Power BI, and AI tools is crucial for this position. Make sure you can talk about your experience with these tools and how you've used them to model scenarios or optimise inventory. If you have any specific projects or achievements related to these technologies, bring them up!
✨Be Ready for Rapid Changes
The retail environment is fast-paced and ever-changing, so demonstrate your adaptability. Share examples of how you've anticipated and managed supply chain risks or demand fluctuations in the past. Discuss your approach to developing contingency plans and how you stay ahead of market trends.