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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: You'll optimise stock plans and ensure timely deliveries for our Food & Grocery customers.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and part-time roles.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and personal growth while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis and project collaboration is essential; Excel proficiency is a must.
- Other info: Apply early as vacancies may close quickly; some roles require pre-employment vetting.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 68400 £ per year.
About The Role
As a Merchandise Planner, you will focus on creating, optimising, and delivering plans for supplier ordering and stock replenishment. Your goal is to ensure the right amount of stock is in the right place at the right time, based on demand forecasts. Planning is a key part of each Category Proposition Group\’s work to deliver the trade plan and impact key stock KPIs such as availability, wastage, and stock holding. This role offers opportunities for personal and professional development. The Partnership supports flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours, and job sharing, with a blended approach between office and home working. We celebrate diversity and aim to be the UK\’s most inclusive business, reflecting the communities we serve.
- Salary: Up to £61,000 (depending on experience)
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Hybrid approach, with around 2 days in the office and ad-hoc meetings
- Location: Bracknell Head Office
Key Responsibilities
- Optimize stock availability for Food & Grocery customers to meet sales targets and control wastage and working capital costs.
- Plan items for promotions, deals, and events using insights from the Category Proposition Group and historical data analysis.
- Provide data and insights to support evidence-based decision making within the category.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Experience in data analysis and decision making.
- Experience collaborating on projects to deliver business solutions.
- Ability to influence and manage relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Apps.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Experience with advanced merchandising systems (e.g., JDA, LDE).
- Experience with data management tools (e.g., Snowflake, Tableau).
About The Partnership
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We focus on retail excellence, innovation, and diversification. As Partners, we share ownership, contribute to our success, and foster an environment of kindness, respect, and inclusion. We encourage everyone to be themselves and thrive, growing individually and collectively. We believe everyone makes a difference, and we all own it.
Important Points
Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks, which will be communicated during recruitment. We recommend applying early, as vacancies may close early. We support flexible working arrangements, including flexible hours, job sharing, and shorter contracts. Please discuss your needs with the hiring manager during the interview.
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Merchandise / Supply Chain planner employer: Waitrose & Partners
Contact Detail:
Waitrose & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise / Supply Chain planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Merchandise Planner. Understanding how to optimise stock availability and control wastage will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially in Microsoft Excel and Google Apps. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the supply chain and merchandising field. Engaging with others can provide insights into industry trends and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating on projects. Highlighting your ability to influence and manage relationships with suppliers and customers will be crucial in the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise / Supply Chain planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data analysis, stock management, and collaboration on projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to optimise stock availability and manage relationships with suppliers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with their goals, particularly in optimising stock and supporting evidence-based decision making. Show that you understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Apps, as well as any experience with advanced merchandising systems or data management tools. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical aspects of the role effectively.
Showcase Your Analytical Mindset: Provide examples of how you've used data analysis to inform decisions in previous roles. Discuss any insights you've gained from historical data analysis and how they impacted stock planning or sales targets.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waitrose & Partners
✨Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills
As a Merchandise Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your experience in data analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to make informed decisions, especially in stock management and demand forecasting.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and how they relate to the role. Understanding the importance of stock availability and wastage control in the context of customer satisfaction will show that you are aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would handle situations involving stock shortages or excess inventory, using insights from historical data to support your strategies.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Experience
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with suppliers and internal teams to achieve business solutions, showcasing your ability to influence and manage relationships effectively.
