Job Title: Retail Stock Planner
Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical retail stock planner to drive stock planning, allocation, and sales performance across the business.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on data-driven decision-making, has strong retail stock control experience, and can translate insights into actionable strategies.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop merchandise plans based on historical sales, trends, and forecasts.
* Partner with the buying team to align product strategies with sales and marketing initiatives.
* Analyse sales data and consumer insights to accurately forecast demand and set purchase quantities.
* Adjust plans dynamically in response to trading performance and seasonal shifts.
* Support the Stock Control Manager in ensuring accuracy across all inventory systems.
* Maintain optimal stock levels, monitoring turnover, sell-through, and replenishment needs.
* Investigate stock discrepancies and propose corrective actions.
* Implement and monitor min/max allocations to stores, ensuring high-demand locations are prioritised.
* Strategically allocate stock across stores and channels based on sales patterns, demographics, and promotional activities.
* Partner with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure smooth and timely stock movements.
* Anticipate seasonal requirements and peak trading periods, ensuring adequate coverage.
* Produce reports on sales performance, stock accuracy, and key merchandising KPIs.
* Track profitability through margin analysis, markdown management, and GMROI monitoring.
* Present insights and recommendations to management to drive commercial decisions.
* Work cross-functionally with buyers, store managers, warehouse operations, and suppliers to align stock requirements.
* Act as a key point of contact between Stock Control and other business functions to ensure transparency and coordination.
* Support training and process improvements in stock planning and system use.
Requirements
* 3+ years' experience in retail merchandise planning.
* Highly analytical with proven skills in forecasting, planning, and sales analysis.
* Strong IT proficiency, including Excel and ideally WMS/ERP or Fashion Master.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple teams.
* Thrives in a fast-paced retail environment with changing priorities.
* Understands retail mathematics, including GMROI, markdowns, and margin optimisation.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Career progression opportunities within Stock Control and Operations Management.
* Ongoing professional development and training.
* A collaborative, data-driven, and supportive work environment.