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. 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 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
