At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a top-notch merchandise planning function and optimise stock management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at LilyLifestyle, known for innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your input and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping merchandise strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandise or demand planning with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Role Overview
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
- 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
- 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.
Merchandise Planning Manager. Job in Andover LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At LilyLifestyle, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Merchandise Planning Manager in Andover, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to excellence in merchandise planning. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant retail hub.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planning Manager. Job in Andover LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at LilyLifestyle or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to merchandise planning. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around data-led decision making and stock management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the Merchandise Planning Manager role and impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at LilyLifestyle.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planning Manager. Job in Andover LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Merchandise Planning Manager. Highlight your experience in merchandise planning, demand forecasting, and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in stock management and margin optimisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description and show us your passion for improving merchandise planning functions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires advanced analytical skills, don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Excel and any planning systems you've used. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles, especially in multi-channel retail environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise 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 past roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role is all about creating a structured approach to merchandise planning. Prepare examples of how you've designed and implemented planning frameworks in previous positions. Highlight your experience with category planning templates and standardised reporting.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's product categories and their supply chain capabilities. Being able to align commercial plans with inventory strategy will impress your interviewers. Research recent trends in the retail sector that could impact their business.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with buying and supply chain teams, and be prepared to discuss how you can foster cross-functional relationships.
