Job Description

Job overview


The Merchandise Planner & Allocator is a key role with direct responsibility for efficient planning, forecasting, trading and analysis in conjunction with the Senior Merchandise Planner. The role requires a strong understanding of retail merchandise planning disciplines and experience with forecasting and order management, they will also need to possess organizational skills, a high level of attention to detail along with the ability to work within a team and independently. The role will have a direct impact on maximizing availability, sales and inventory management to meet annual budgets.

Job Scope

Merchandise Financial and Assortment Planning

Support merchandise planning team to deliver all strategic objectives and business budgets Independent ownership of a full category's end to end merchandising functions Assist Senior Merchandise Planner with determining revenue budget plans, in season forecasts and OTB management for the department Prepare sales, inventory and margin analysis for the category to ensure forecasts are inline with budgets Assist in annual review process and make recommendations where necessary on range rationalization/growth

Inventory & Availability

Prepare re-order quantities for specific category based on sales data Ensure a high level of availability is maintained all year whilst working within OTB and stock targets Work alongside Assistant Merchandise Planner to manage stock flow from suppliers into the business to ensure availability targets are met Work in collaboration with VM team to manage outlet level stock triggers for their category Propose promotions to maintain inventory and sales budgets Analyze the effectiveness of promotions to assist in developing a long-term promotion strategy

In Season Management

Job overview


The Merchandise Planner & Allocator is a key role with direct responsibility for efficient planning, forecasting, trading and analysis in conjunction with the Senior Merchandise Planner. The role requires a strong understanding of retail merchandise planning disciplines and experience with forecasting and order management, they will also need to possess organizational skills, a high level of attention to detail along with the ability to work within a team and independently. The role will have a direct impact on maximizing availability, sales and inventory management to meet annual budgets.

Job Scope

Merchandise Financial and Assortment Planning

Support merchandise planning team to deliver all strategic objectives and business budgets Independent ownership of a full category's end to end merchandising functions Assist Senior Merchandise Planner with determining revenue budget plans, in season forecasts and OTB management for the department Prepare sales, inventory and margin analysis for the category to ensure forecasts are inline with budgets Assist in annual review process and make recommendations where necessary on range rationalization/growth

Inventory & Availability

Prepare re-order quantities for specific category based on sales data Ensure a high level of availability is maintained all year whilst working within OTB and stock targets Work alongside Assistant Merchandise Planner to manage stock flow from suppliers into the business to ensure availability targets are met Work in collaboration with VM team to manage outlet level stock triggers for their category Propose promotions to maintain inventory and sales budgets Analyze the effectiveness of promotions to assist in developing a long-term promotion strategy

In Season Management

Prepare sales, inventory and margin analysis for the category to ensure forecasts are in line with budgets Provide detailed summary for any revised sales, inventory and margin plans to be signed off and agreed with Senior Merchandise Planner

Job Essentials

At least four years' experience managing a category/sub-category merchandising responsibility Experience within year end reviews and ability to present to senior management Experience within Apparel, Toys or Home & Gifting Forecasting skills Analytical skills to make commercial decisions Problem solving and critical thinking Ability to prioritize and manage workload Effective communication skills Ability to establish relationships, internal & external Strong attention to detail Proficiency in Microsoft office - Specifically Excel Project management and Budgeting skills

Job Desirable

Experience using Power BI systems * Experience within theme park industry