Merchandise Planner

Job Introduction

We are currently recruiting for a Merchandise Planner to join the Commercial team at cardfactory. 

With Guidance from the Senior Merchandiser you will set out budget’s & strategies for own categories that deliver profitable growth in line with the overall commercial strategy, you will also be responsible for the development of a Assistant Merchandiser.  

You will need to be able to think on your feet and make decisions at pace to ensure delivery against the key objectives. 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.

This is a hybrid role combining some days working from home and some at our head office based in Wakefield, with great links to the M1 and free parking. 

Main Responsibilities

• Implement a customer driven range in line with the commercial strategy agreed with senior stakeholders with clearly defined and measurable initiatives
• Use analysis alongside knowledge of markets, customer profiles and suppliers to develop the range framework
• Devise budgets to ensure that the building blocks are in place to achieve the category strategy
• Ensure category frameworks relating to space, options, architecture and buy plans align to the overall operating model and strategic direction
• Conduct periodic reviews of performance, understanding how this may impact future performance and reflect risks and opportunities
• You will contribute to 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
• Working with the Allocation team, review channel / category level forecasts to understand alignment to corporate budgeting, planning and replenishment processes identifying and taking corrective action with respective teams
• Develop and implement joint business plans for your category with suppliers in line with department strategy.  Have a clear plan around supplier classification and set specific performance targets with regular measurement and review
• By exception, liaise with global suppliers and sourcing offices to identify the most cost-effective sourcing routes
• 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
• Ensure a great customer experience through delivery of merchandising milestones within the critical path, ensuring any issues are resolved through liaising with suppliers and stakeholders

The Ideal Candidate

• Merchandising experience required preferably within a non-food multi-channel retail environment
• 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