At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead EMEA planning for retail, e-commerce, and wholesale channels while driving strategic growth.
- Company: Join SKIMS, a pioneering brand redefining modern apparel with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of a creative team committed to operational excellence and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion in a dynamic, high-growth environment with global impact.
- Qualifications: 12-15+ years in merchandise or financial planning, preferably in international fashion.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
SKIMS is a solutions‑oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, shapewear, and essentials. We are setting new standards by delivering technically innovative, comfort‑driven products with elevated design for everybody. At the intersection of culture, innovation, and commerce, SKIMS is a global brand redefining modern apparel. Our teams are built on creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high‑performance environment where ambitious, curious, and values‑driven individuals can do the best work of their careers.
As we continue to scale globally, our HQ teams play a critical role in shaping strategy, building world‑class infrastructure, and driving sustainable growth across markets. We are seeking a Director of Planning, EMEA to lead regional financial and merchandise planning across all channels in the EMEA region. This role will be responsible for owning the EMEA top‑line and bottom‑line planning strategy, driving disciplined forecasting, inventory management, and long‑range planning to support retail, wholesale, franchising, and e‑commerce growth. This is a highly strategic leadership role for a commercially minded planner with deep international experience and a strong ability to operate at both regional and global levels.
Key Responsibilities- Regional Planning Leadership: Own and lead the EMEA planning function across retail, concessions, e‑commerce, wholesale and franchising channels. Develop and manage regional financial plans, including topline, margin, inventory, and OTB by market and channel. Partner with Global Planning to align EMEA plans with enterprise financial targets and long‑range strategy.
- Forecasting and Performance Management: Lead seasonal and in‑season forecasting, reforecasting, and scenario planning for the region. Own weekly and monthly performance reviews, providing clear insights on risks, opportunities, and corrective actions. Drive disciplined inventory management, including depth, flow, and regional stock allocation.
- Strategic Growth and Market Expansion: Partner closely with Regional Leadership on new market entry, store openings, and flagship planning (e.g., UK, EU, Middle East). Build robust pre‑ and post‑launch financial models for new doors, markets, and channels. Support long‑range planning (3-5 year horizon) for EMEA growth, headcount, and infrastructure.
- Cross‑Functional Partnership: Act as a core business partner to Merchandising, Trading, Finance, Retail Ops, E‑Commerce, and Supply Chain. Influence key decisions on assortment architecture, pricing strategy, promotional cadence, and inventory investment. Partner with Finance on budgets, forecasts, and regional P&L ownership.
- Team Leadership and Capability Building: Build, lead, and develop the EMEA Planning team as the region scales. Establish planning processes, cadence, and best practices tailored to international markets. Mentor senior planners and managers, building a strong internal pipeline of talent.
- Reporting and Executive Communication: Own EMEA planning reporting for executive leadership, including weekly trade, monthly close, and long‑range planning decks. Present clearly and confidently to senior leadership on regional performance and strategic recommendations.
- 12‑15+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or commercial planning within fashion, apparel, or consumer retail.
- Proven Director‑level experience leading planning for multi‑market or international regions (EMEA strongly preferred).
- Deep expertise in OTB, forecasting, inventory management, and margin optimization.
- Strong understanding of omnichannel planning (retail, e‑commerce, wholesale).
- Advanced financial and analytical skills; highly proficient in Excel and planning systems (Anaplan, SAP, or similar).
- Experience building and scaling regional planning teams in a high‑growth environment.
- Highly commercial, strategic, and data‑driven.
- Strong business partner with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and rapid international growth.
- Detail‑oriented with strong financial rigor.
- Passion for building scalable planning organizations and driving profitable growth.
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- ClassPass
SKIMS Director of Planning , EMEA employer: SKIMS
At SKIMS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence. Our inclusive work culture fosters a high-performance environment where ambitious individuals can thrive, supported by comprehensive benefits such as Private Medical Insurance and a robust pension scheme. As we continue to expand globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development, making SKIMS the ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SKIMS Director of Planning , EMEA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to SKIMS. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SKIMS inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in merchandise planning and how it aligns with SKIMS' vision. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SKIMS team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace SKIMS Director of Planning , EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Planning role. Highlight your experience in merchandise and financial planning, especially within the EMEA region, to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset:We want to see how you think strategically! In your application, share examples of how you've driven growth and managed inventory effectively in previous roles. This will help us understand your approach to planning and decision-making.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at SKIMS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Director of Planning role, you need to be well-versed in financial metrics and planning strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of OTB, margin optimisation, and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This position requires a highly commercial and strategic approach. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to influence decisions at senior levels and how you've contributed to long-range planning in past roles. Think about specific scenarios where your strategic insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with various teams such as Merchandising, Finance, and E-Commerce. Be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with these departments to drive performance and achieve common goals. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in a high-growth environment.
✨Prepare for Executive Communication
Since you'll be presenting to senior leadership, practice articulating your insights clearly and confidently. Prepare a mock presentation on a relevant topic, focusing on how you would report on regional performance and strategic recommendations. This will help you feel more comfortable during the actual interview.
