At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Commercial Planner, forecasting KPIs and analysing performance.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic B&M Business Planning team in a leading retail company.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and the chance to develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience in business planning and valuable insights across the company.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in retail merchandising or data roles; strong communication and Excel skills required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month maternity cover position based in Watford.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting 12-month maternity cover position within the B&M Business Planning team for EMEA. The role is varied and will include forecasting of key KPIs, analysis, performance reporting & presentations across our Outlet stores & also providing support for our Full Price B&M channels. This position will suit a highly numerate & commercial person, interested in business planning and providing insights to all areas of the business.
Please note this is a hybrid role spending 40% in our office based in Watford.
- Forecasting retail KPIs alongside the Commercial / Business Planning Manager from day level through to annual long range plans
- Trade Reporting highlighting key call outs and presenting to the wider planning team on a weekly and monthly basis
- Stakeholder management take information from our store partners and involve them in the planning journey to capture detail and ensure robust planning processes
- Executive level presentations, monthly FC meetings, strategic insights & recurring performance overviews
- Support channel planning managers with ad-hoc analysis, monthly forecast & annual budget process and provide additional coverage on regular daily & weekly performance reporting where required
- Calendar management, working with Planning Associate and logging key trading activity & year on year date shifts, both cross channel and channel specific, and impact to trade for future planning
- Partner cross functionally to build relationships, align on analysis findings & recommend trading opportunities
- Suggest process & reporting improvements for greater synergy across channels
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- 3 years + experience in retail merchandising, data or financial role
- Strong communication skills, able to package results into digestible and actionable messages
- Enthusiastic team player
- Ability to work under pressure and to respect deadlines
- Strong attention to detail, quality and accuracy imperative
- Data driven mindset & keenness to learn new tools & models
- Advanced Excel skills to process & interpret data
- Thorough understanding & application of retail maths & KPIs
Commercial Planner employer: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Contact Detail:
Ralph Lauren Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key retail KPIs relevant to the role. Understanding metrics like sales per square foot, inventory turnover, and gross margin will help you speak confidently about your insights during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially advanced functions and data analysis tools. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to collaborate will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent performance and any strategic initiatives they’ve undertaken. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail merchandising, data analysis, and financial roles. Emphasise your advanced Excel skills and any specific KPIs you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your ability to work under pressure and your strong communication skills, as these are key for the Commercial Planner position.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with forecasting and performance reporting, as this is crucial for the job.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder management and how you've collaborated cross-functionally. Prepare to present your insights on retail maths and KPIs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ralph Lauren Corporation
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Commercial Planner, you'll be dealing with data and KPIs regularly. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and forecasting. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you've successfully managed relationships or collaborated with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and ability to present findings clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Retail Knowledge
Make sure you understand the retail landscape and can discuss current trends. Familiarise yourself with retail maths and KPIs relevant to the position. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨Practice Executive-Level Presentations
Since the role requires presenting to higher management, practice summarising complex information into clear, actionable insights. Prepare a mock presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.