Merchandise Planning Manager

Job Introduction

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Merchandise Planning Manager to join the Commercial team at cardfactory – one of the UK’s top five best big companies to work for.

Working with the Senior Merchandise Planning Manager you will set out budgets & strategies for your own categories that deliver profit in line with our company strategy.

You will be responsible for the development of an Assistant Merchandiser. 

You will need to be able to think on your feet and make quick, informed decisions. 

As well as strong merchandising skills, you will show a real desire to learn and grow, as well as a curiosity and ownership for the success of your category.

We operate smart working principles at cardfactory, combining some days working from our support centre in Wakefield (approx. 1-2 days a week onsite) with some days working remotely from home.

Main Responsibilities

• Implement a customer driven range strategy aligned with the overall commercial strategy & critical path ensuring optimal return on space
• Conduct periodic reviews of category & product performance, understanding how this may impact future performance and reflect risks and opportunities
• Lead the weekly trade reviews and post-implementation reviews, collaborating with cross functional teams ensuring that they are clear on priority actions and lessons learnt
• You’ll be responsible for your category stock: WSSI planning, OTB management process, purchase orders, promotional stock planning, markdown plan, clearance, total DC & store stock levels, replenishment & ordering parameters to deliver depot/supplier service targets, manage tolerance on stock commitments, availability, & reviewing forecasts
• Collaborate with key stakeholders on cross-functional activity (e.g. flexible space) and provide insight and measurement to support
• Plan and prioritise inbound and outbound stock flow for your range/category, understanding the impact on supply, logistics and retail teams and communicating issues where appropriate

The Ideal Candidate

• Merchandising experience required preferably within a Non-food multi-channel retail environment
• Direct line management experience in coaching and developing junior members of the team
• Ability to deliver results to target, as an individual and within a team
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving dynamic retail environment
• Confidence to influence and engage, building relationships with key stakeholders
• Organised with strong planning capabilities

About The Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Access to blended learning and development content
• Discounted mobile phone contracts
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.