Job Specification: Visual Merchandise Planner
Location: Roscommon
About the Role
We are seeking a highly analytical and organised Merchandise 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.
Reporting to the Stock Control Manager, you will be responsible for creating merchandise plans, managing stock flow, and ensuring optimal product availability in line with sales forecasts and seasonal demands.
Key Responsibilities
Merchandise Planning & Forecasting
1. Develop merchandise and assortment plans based on historical sales, trends, and forecasts.
2. Partner with the buying team to align product strategies with sales and marketing initiatives.
3. Analyse sales data and consumer insights to accurately forecast demand and set purchase quantities.
4. Adjust plans dynamically in response to trading performance and seasonal shifts.
Stock Control & Inventory Management
5. Support the Stock Control Manager in ensuring accuracy across all inventory systems.
6. Maintain optimal stock levels, monitoring turnover, sell-through, and replenishment needs.
7. Investigate stock discrepancies and propose corrective actions.
8. Implement and monitor min/max allocations to stores, ensuring high-demand locations are prioritised.
Allocation & Distribution
9. Strategically allocate stock across stores and channels based on sales patterns, demographics, and promotional activities.
10. Partner with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure smooth and timely stock movements.
11. Anticipate seasonal requirements and peak trading periods, ensuring adequate coverage.
Reporting & Analysis
12. Produce reports on sales performance, stock accuracy, and key merchandising KPIs.
13. Track profitability through margin analysis, markdown management, and GMROI monitoring.
14. Present insights and recommendations to management to drive commercial decisions.
Collaboration & Communication
15. Work cross-functionally with buyers, store managers, warehouse operations, and suppliers to align stock requirements.
16. Act as a key point of contact between Stock Control and other business functions to ensure transparency and coordination.
17. Support training and process improvements in stock planning and system use.
The Right Person for the Role
We are looking for a candidate who:
18. Has 3+ years' experience in retail merchandise planning. Is highly analytical with proven skills in forecasting, planning, and sales analysis.
19. Has strong IT proficiency, including Excel and ideally WMS/ERP or Fashion Master.
20. Possesses excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple teams.
21. Thrives in a fast-paced retail environment with changing priorities.
22. Understands retail mathematics, including GMROI, markdowns, and margin optimisation.
What We Offer
23. Competitive salary and benefits package.
24. Career progression opportunities within Stock Control and Operations Management.
25. Ongoing professional development and training.
26. A collaborative, data-driven, and supportive work environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
27. Company events
28. Employee assistance program
29. On-site parking
Work Location: In person