Merchandise Planner – Retail HO Milnerton

National Retailer is seeking to employ a Merchandising planner to join their team

Purpose of the Role

To partner with Buyers and their Assistants to plan, forecast, and optimise stock performance by supplier. The Merchandise Planner ensures that every decision drives higher stock turn, improved sell-through, and precise open-to-buy (OTB) accuracy supporting Toy Kingdoms purpose of making people smile through well-balanced, exciting, and profitable ranges.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning & Forecasting

1. Build detailed sales, stock, and margin plans by supplier.
2. Use Trader ERP, Netstock, and Power BI to manage forecasting, replenishment, and OTB tracking.
3. Create monthly reviews showing sales vs. forecast, highlighting variances and recovery plans.

• Stock & Performance Management

1. Analyse supplier performance by store and channel to maximise stock turn.
2. Recommend actions to optimise product mix, phase-ins, and exit strategies.
3. Monitor sell-through, ageing, and markdown exposure; propose corrective actions early.

• Vendor & Supplier Collaboration

1. Support Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) reporting and analysis for key suppliers.
2. Collaborate with suppliers on stock health, promotional planning, and sell-through insights.

• Cross-Functional Partnership

1. Work closely with Buyers and Buyers Assistants to align product selection with financial plans.
2. Liaise with Finance on OTB and cash-flow implications.
3. Partner with E-Commerce and Store Operations to ensure right stock, right place, right time.

• Continuous Improvement

1. Participate in Agile sprint reviews and retrospectives to refine processes and planning accuracy.
2. Develop smarter, faster ways of working using data and automation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Stock Turn Improve supplier stock turn to target.
• OTB Accuracy Maintain forecast accuracy within defined variance.
• Sell-Through Rate Achieve optimal sell-through with minimal markdown.
• Reporting Quality & Timeliness Deliver accurate reports and actionable insights on time.

What Youll Bring

• 35 years of merchandise or inventory planning experience in retail or FMCG
• Strong analytical and Excel/Power BI skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience in ERP systems (preferably Trader or similar).
• Confidence interpreting data and communicating insights clearly.
• Commercial curiosity, agility, and the drive to make things happen.