Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and optimise stock plans to ensure availability and minimise wastage.
- Company: Join a leading retailer focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with remote options and competitive pay ranging from £41,900 to £69,100.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that directly impacts sales and sustainability in the grocery sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in forecasting and planning, especially with Far East sourced products, is essential.
- Other info: Work in Bracknell once a week with occasional travel to London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Merchandise Planner, you will be focused on creating, optimising, and delivering plans for supplier ordering and stock replenishment that result in the right amount of stock, in the right place, at the right time, building on the demand forecasts. Planning activity is an integral part of the work of each Category Proposition Group to deliver the trade plan, and it has a direct impact on the delivery of key stock KPIs (availability, explained wastage, stock holding). The successful candidate would be expected to work in our Bracknell office once a week. There will be occasional travel to our London office.
Please note that the pay range from 1st April will be £41,900 - £69,100.
Some of your key Responsibilities include:
- Optimize stock availability for all Food & Grocery customers to reach sales category targets and control wastage and working capital costs.
- Using insight from the Category Proposition Group and analysis of historical performance, plan all items for promotions, deals and events to meet targets.
- Providing data and experienced-based insight to enable evidence-based decision making in the Category, using this to produce a Sign Off pack in line with the critical path.
- Long term planning & forecasting sales at SKU level, managing stock holding within category targets.
- Forecasting weekly sales, stock and intake at Category level.
- Working closely with the Commercial teams & John Lewis to deliver the Category Strategy.
Essential skills:
- Previous forecasting & planning experience with Far East sourced products.
- Experience working with OPD & Landed supply base working with longer lead-time sourcing.
- Evidence of using data for analysis and decision making.
- Collaborating on projects to deliver solutions for business success.
- Influencing and managing supplier and customer relationships.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel & Google Apps.
Planner, General Merchandise employer: Waitrose & Partners
Contact Detail:
Waitrose & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner, General Merchandise
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in merchandise planning and stock management. Understanding the nuances of stock availability and wastage control will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience with Far East sourced products. Engaging with them can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel and Google Apps skills, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your proficiency, which will demonstrate your commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data for analysis and decision-making in past roles. Being able to articulate your experience with evidence-based insights will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner, General Merchandise
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in forecasting and planning, especially with Far East sourced products. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to optimise stock availability and manage supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, particularly your experience with data analysis and decision-making in a merchandising context.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used data to inform your planning decisions. Mention any tools or software you are proficient in, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Apps, and how they have helped you achieve results in previous roles.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Emphasise your ability to work closely with commercial teams and other stakeholders. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, particularly in delivering category strategies or managing stock levels.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waitrose & Partners
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Merchandise Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse data effectively. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to make informed decisions, particularly in forecasting and stock management.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the supply chain processes, especially regarding Far East sourced products. Highlight any relevant experience you have with longer lead-time sourcing and how it impacts stock availability and planning.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to optimise stock levels or manage supplier relationships, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams, such as Commercial teams or Category Proposition Groups, to achieve business objectives and improve stock management.
