At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive department performance through analysis, planning, and inventory management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading merchandising company in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on team development and wellness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategies while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience with planning tools required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This open Planner role is responsible for driving department performance through commercial analysis, financial planning, forecasting, and inventory management, while partnering cross-functionally to deliver strategy and achieve key business KPIs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Critically analyses trade reports and utilises own knowledge to influence forecasting and promotional/MD planning.
- Influence trade actions that impact Division/channel performance.
- Drives and optimises line card process and communicates impacts to department KPIs to key stakeholders.
- Ensures the department is maximising KPI opportunities and minimising KPI risks, through successful management of the WSSI.
- Understands long term sales plans and can translate this into department KPIs.
- Oversees inventory management process and works cross-functionally to provide solutions to reach end of season stock targets and average cost turn, communicating KPI impacts to management.
- Uses hindsight assessment to formulate the financial building blocks required for strategy planning.
- Partners and influences buying counterparts to formulate the department forward strategy, and able to critically assess the risks and opportunities associated, whilst providing sound solutions.
- Owns OTB process, influencing buying counterparts to meet department KPIs through optimising buying strategies and OTB management, demonstrating flexibility in approach to maximise opportunities.
- Responsible for overseeing seasonal markdowns and communication to stores.
- Utilises knowledge of brand positioning and market analysis to help shape future strategies.
- Oversees regular store visits and competitor reviews.
- To adopt a positive and proactive approach to their own training and development as well as that of their peers.
- Influences and collaborates with key stakeholders on cross-functional projects and process improvement.
- Coaches and trains team, helping them to acquire the skills and knowledge to be more effective.
- Regularly reviews team progress towards achieving goals.
- Participates in company initiatives as appropriate.
- Empowers team wellness and prioritises team psychological safety.
- Feels confident leading a team and can clearly delegate tasks.
- Creates and maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
- Collaborates and informs stakeholders on strategies and business goals.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Strong analytical mindset and experienced in using planning and forecasting tools and systems.
- Effective communicator - able to communicate messages clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
- Able to work autonomously, results orientated and able to 'think outside the box'.
- Able to demonstrate logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Solution orientated with an entrepreneurial attitude.
- Able to organise, prioritise tasks and manage time well to meet deadlines.
- Can confidently and respectfully challenge others' opinions.
- Demonstrates self-awareness of their impact on others and seeks feedback on ways to improve.
- Able to build and maintain productive relationships within team environment.
- An expert in using Microsoft Excel and BI reporting tools.
- Able to demonstrate resilience and remain positive during challenging periods.
- Attention to detail.
- Regularly recognises and praises good work.
- Leads by example and shows desire to mentor junior members.
- Desire to have fun at work and an appreciation for product.
Merchandise Planner - London employer: What Jobs
As a Merchandise Planner in London, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, offering opportunities for professional advancement while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a focus on team wellness and psychological safety, we empower our employees to excel and enjoy their work, making us an exceptional employer in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Planner - London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like What Jobs, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like What Jobs!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Planner - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at What Jobs, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at What Jobs and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show What Jobs that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
