At a Glance
- Tasks: Support merchandise planning, inventory optimisation, and reporting for major retail chains.
- Company: Join a leading national supplier of stationery and gifting products.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic retail environment with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on stock availability and profitability while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Business or related field and 2 years' retail experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Excellent opportunity exists with national suppliers of stationery and gifting products to major retail chains for a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandise Planning Assistant with a tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field, coupled with at least 2 years’ experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial analysis within a retail environment. The successful candidate will support merchandise planning, inventory optimisation, forecasting, and reporting functions to ensure stock availability, profitability, and operational efficiency across the business.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with sales, margin, and inventory planning
- Monitor stock levels, replenishment, transfers, and markdowns
- Compile and maintain reports, forecasts, and dashboards
- Analyse business performance and support reporting processes
- Liaise with Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, and stores regarding stock requirements and queries
- Support promotional planning and stock alignment
Requirements:
- Tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial analysis within a retail environment
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Advanced Excel skills essential
- Exposure to business intelligence tools such as Tableau or Power BI advantageous
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
- Sound understanding of retail financial metrics, supply chain processes, and consumer buying behaviour
Merchandise Planner Assistant in Southgate employer: University of Fort Hare
Join a dynamic team at a leading national supplier of stationery and gifting products, where your analytical skills will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on inventory management and merchandise planning within a fast-paced retail environment. Located in a vibrant area, our company fosters innovation and teamwork, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner Assistant in Southgate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who work in merchandise planning. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your analytical abilities and past successes in inventory management. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve optimised stock levels or improved profitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research common questions for merchandise planning roles and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your experience with Excel and any business intelligence tools you've used.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right role. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to apply directly for positions that match your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner Assistant in Southgate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in merchandise planning and inventory management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your analytical prowess and any relevant tools you've used!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in Business or Finance makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing personality, so let your enthusiasm come through!
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this position, make sure to mention any specific functions or projects where you've used Excel effectively. We’re keen to know how you’ve leveraged data to drive decisions in your previous roles!
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 you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Fort Hare
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Planner Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key retail financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Excel is Your Best Friend
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, make sure you're comfortable with functions, pivot tables, and data analysis. Consider preparing a quick example of how you've used Excel to solve a problem or streamline a process in your past experience.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This position requires liaising with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any experiences where you built relationships to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle multiple priorities. Think of specific scenarios from your past work where you had to analyse stock levels or manage inventory effectively, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
