Merchandiser

Description: Contract Duration: ASAP to End of November (4 Weeks) JOB PURPOSE The Planner will be responsible for all Planning & Forecasting, Reporting & Analysis of their Product Category creating and maintaining effective cross-functional relationships to drive the Division in support of business strategy. RESPONSIBILITIES * Detailed category sales, margin & inventory plans to support delivery of the Product Division strategic plan. * Bottoms-up sales, margin & procurement forecasts to deliver seasonal fashion & replenishment targets. * All related reporting & analysis for the product category and to support all Divisional reporting & analytics. * Drive medium (1 year) and longer (5 year) term forecasting both at style and category level. * Partner with Regional Teams to manage Global Inventory Optimisation through re-balancing/ transfers/ risk management. * Support and work with Vendor, Supply Chain and Sourcing teams, to manage capacity planning and flow of intake. Pre Season * Develop and "shape" category plans aligned with Merchandising strategies/initiatives and reconciled with Regional Seasonal Plan to deliver the Global Seasonal Plan - including global review and analysis of key product & category metrics. * Responsible for detailed analysis, forecasting and cost targeting as it relates to Supply Chain to drive demand planning (production capacity forecasts & RM pre-commitment) driving profitability and mitigating investment risk. * Owner of RM forecasts and to make pre-buy proposals based on Global Sourcing critical path for the product category. * Manage all FG unit forecasts or forecast consolidation at each level of the product hierarchy to material & SKU level (where appropriate). * Responsible for analysis, parameters (assortment size, price point & flow) and recommendations related to the development of seasonal range plan and Brand Buy for the product category. * Drive replenishment sales and inventory as it relates to the product category (process enhancements & best practice) global forecast management, RM positioning HUB inventory management. * Taking seasonal FG placement proposals (inventory investment) and all related reporting & analysis. * Report on product category margin analysis and target setting. * Assist with financial analysis and strategic input to pricing architecture for the product category. In Season * Owner of product category FG inventory placement proposals, management, and reporting of HUB Free Stock and (future) all replenishment inventories. * Lead in-season inventory reaction proposals (investment & exit) based on retail and wholesale forecasts & in collaboration with the cross-functional team to maximise all sell in/out opportunities for the product category. * Responsible for proposing product category markdown & delist content & timing. Reporting and Analysis * Owner of standardised and ad hoc reporting & analysis required to drive Product Division strategy as well as day-to-day decision-making. * Drive seasonal hindsight analysis and milestone meetings, ensuring a consistent, global understanding of business performance and future opportunities. * Supports the Divisional Director/ Planning Managers in all presentation analysis and preparation. PERSONAL PROFILE * Retail experience and mindset * Passion for commerce/product * Demonstrates commercial instinct * Strong Analytical skills * Retail maths skills * Advanced skills in Excel Guidant Global (BH4SF) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy