Merchandise Planner
A multi-product retailer who have built a reputation creating magical moments for their customers are looking for a commercially minded Merchandise Planner with a strong focus on licensing. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the licensed product ranges are strategically planned, financially successful, and aligned with brand and partner expectations.
You will work closely with Buying, Licensing, and external brand partners, you’ll manage the end-to-end planning process for licensed categories—balancing demand, margin, and brand integrity. You will also play a key role in maximising sales opportunities while minimising risk across a dynamic and trend-driven product portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver merchandise plans for licensed product ranges across multiple categories
- Collaborate with Buying and Licensing teams to align on product strategy, launch timelines, and brand requirements
- Forecast demand and manage stock levels, ensuring optimal availability while controlling markdown and obsolescence risk
- Analyse sales performance, identifying opportunities and risks, and reforecasting accordingly
- Manage OTB (Open to Buy) and ensure financial targets for sales, margin, and stock turn are achieved
- Work closely with licensors and brand partners to ensure compliance with licensing agreements and seasonal expectations
- Support range planning for key licensed events, launches, and seasonal peaks
- Provide insights and reporting to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making
Requirements:
- Experience in merchandise planning, preferably within a retail or consumer goods environment
- Exposure to licensed products or working with brand partnerships is highly desirable
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable plans
- Commercially aware, with a good understanding of retail KPIs and financial planning
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, trend-led environment
The salary is paying up to £58,000 in addition to Private Medical/Dental Insurance & company wide discounts.
