Merchandise Planner Hertfordshire

To accelerate the growth of our Hardlines business in Central Europe we are establishing a new team based in the UK to set up a centralised buying model for some of our Home and Electrical categories. The team will create a competitive Hardlines product offer across Central Europe using International Sourcing, local suppliers and both local and global brands. The team’s focus will be to develop and source quality product ranges across the countries whilst ensuring that local & regional needs are met.

This new operating model will involve changes to the current ways of working in Buying, Merchandising, IT, Supply Chain, Marketing and Retail Operations. To support these changes we are looking for people who enjoy working in a fast paced environment driving and delivering business change and improvement.

We are presenting the opportunity for a Merchandise Planner to join our Central European Team. Countries covered by the Central European team include Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Turkey.

As a Merchandise Planner, your role will include the delivery the financial KPI’s of the Merchandise Plan. In conjunction with the Buying Team, you will analyse trends and build product ranges which deliver clear statements. You will manage the day to day trading, supporting the department Strategy and prepare Sales, Stock and Profit Plans. You will manage the budgets and track performance, making decisions and recommendations to optimise sales, profitability and control the flow of stock.

Key role responsibilities will be to:

Deliver budgeted Sales, Markdown, Stock and Margin Targets

Plan a successful strategy with the Buying Team

Ensure Range Changes, Promotions and Great Seasonal Events are delivered in full and within the agreed Critical Path timelines

Ensure product ranges deliver clear statements and fulfil the Financial Targets

Identify and respond to changes in trading conditions and ensure action is taken to optimise sales, profit and customer offer

Effectively manage the weekly trade meetings to drive out actions and monitor performance

Achieve the availability and stockholding targets through accurate forecasting, intake phasing, exiting and proficient supplier management

Coach, develop and support the team to deliver all the KPI’s set

Work with the Buying team in achieving our category depot service level target

The successful individual will have experience of Merchandise and Stock Planning within a multi site retail business along with a proven track record of the Management of Range Planning and Open To Buy control and assortment planning. You will have a good understanding of supply chain processes and experience of merchandising non-continuity products including at least one Hardlines category.

Job Title      Merchandise Planner – Home
Location    Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Job Number    128167846
Posted        10/08/2010
Job Type      Permanent
                                                                    Register your CV APPLY