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: Competitive salary, 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 - 60000 £ 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
- 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.
Merchandising 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 in the heart of Andover. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead strategic initiatives, such as the newly created Merchandising Planning Manager role. With a focus on data-driven decision-making and a supportive team environment, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Planning Manager. Job in Andover LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. We recommend rehearsing answers to common interview questions, especially those around commercial acumen and team leadership.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Planning Manager. Job in Andover LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandising Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in merchandise planning, demand forecasting, and stock management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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. Share specific examples of how you've improved forecast accuracy or enhanced availability in previous roles. Let us know how you can bring that expertise to our team!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires advanced analytical skills, don’t shy away from showcasing your Excel prowess. Mention any planning systems you've used and how they’ve helped you make data-driven decisions. We love numbers, so make them work for you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨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 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 ability to align commercial plans with supply chain capabilities.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to show your experience in influencing senior stakeholders and collaborating across functions. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated cross-departmental challenges.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading and developing teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've built or reshaped planning processes and how you motivate your team to achieve targets.
