Merchandise Planning Manager - 12m FTC

OVERVIEW:

This is a 12m FTC.

We're looking for a Merchandise Planning Manager (also known as Merchandiser / Merchandise Manager)to help shape the financial directionofakeyproductdivision,balancingsalesperformance,inventoryinvestment,customerdemandandemergingtrendstodrivesustainablegrowth. Working closely with cross-functional partners, you'll play a pivotal role in forecasting future performance, optimising inventory, identifying opportunities and risks, and ensuring products are availablewhereandwhenourcustomersneedthem.Thisisanexcitingopportunitytoinfluencemajorcommercialdecisionsandmanageoneofthebusiness'smostsignificantassets:productinventory.

You'll combine strong analyticalskillswithcommercialacumentodevelopstrategicplans,guidein-seasontradingdecisions,andmaximisesales,marginandprofitabilityacrossmultipleproductcategories.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Develop preseason sales, margin and inventory plans across multiple product categories.
• Analyse historical performance to identify growth opportunities, missed sales and key business drivers.
• Evaluate product plans using financial and trend-based insights, highlighting opportunities and risks.
• Present planning recommendations and financial strategies to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support category growth strategies by identifying opportunities to grow, maintain or reduce investment based on performance and market trends.
• Provide regular trading updates, identifying emerging trends and variances against forecast.
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities, recommending actions to optimise performance.
• Prepare and maintain sales, margin and inventory forecasts to support business planning.
• Monitor product performance and inventory flow to maximise availability and profitability.
• Oversee allocation strategies to ensure strong stock availability across channels and locations.
• Build and manage detailed sales plans to inform weekly, monthly and quarterly forecasting.
• Support pricing, promotional and markdown strategies through financial analysis and scenario planning

Please note: this role is also commonly known as "Merchandiser" or "Merchandise Manager" in the industry - the title reflects our internal structure, but the scope covers both financial planning and in-season trading.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Essential Criteria:

• Previous experience in merchandise planning, allocation, merchandising, financial planning, business analytics or a related commercial planning role.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and commercial judgement.
• Confident communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment whilst meeting tight deadlines.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong technical aptitude for working with planning systems and new technologies.

Desirable:

• Experience within activewear, apparel or retail planning environments.
• Experience working across international markets and multiple currencies.
• Experience managing forecasts across a range of product categories.

CLOSING DATE: MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 2026

LOCATION: Please note this is a hybrid role and requires the successful candidate to attend at least 3 days a week in GSIQ, Solihull, UK.