Merchandise Planning Job Overview
The role of a Merchandise Planner is pivotal in driving sales growth and profitability across various channels. As a key member of the Home division, you will be responsible for developing merchandise strategies that effectively manage trading and optimize inventory levels.
Key Responsibilities:
* Establish weekly budgets for sales, markdowns, stock turnover, margin, purchases, and gross profit by category across all channels within the division.
* Develop seasonal option plans that align with divisional strategy and financial performance indicators, adjusting throughout the buying season based on design input and current/future trading conditions.
* Ensure appropriate stock levels across each channel and store to maintain productive inventory while keeping aged stock within required levels.
* Manage in-season trade, reviewing and recommending forward forecasts on sales, markdowns, stock turnover, margin, purchases, and gross profit for all channels.
* Establish strong communication links with relevant teams, including Visual Merchandising, to align divisional strategies while providing feedback from stores and customers regarding the range.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed in this role, you will require:
* A Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.
* Minimum 3-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related role in a retail or FMCG environment.
* Ability to assess complex data sets, identify trends, and make sound business decisions.
* Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
Benefits and Opportunities
As a Merchandise Planner in our Home division, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will be part of a collaborative team that values innovation, creativity, and customer-centricity.