Merchandise Planner

About the role

The Merchandise Planner creates, optimises and delivers plans for supplier ordering and stock replenishment, building on demand forecasts so that the right amount of stock is in the right place at the right time. Planning is central to each Category Proposition Group's work on the trade plan and directly affects key stock KPIs such as availability, explained wastage and stock holding. The role is based at the Bracknell Head Office campus.

Key responsibilities

• Optimise stock availability for Food & Grocery customers to meet sales category targets while controlling wastage and working capital costs.
• Work with the Category Proposition Group to deliver the Customer and Commercial strategy, ensuring stock plans reflect cross-business decisions.
• Optimise system setup, including lead times, delivery frequency, stock flow through the network, safety stock and presentation stock.
• Work with Operations so that stock flow plans fit capacity constraints and volume targets.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance with Trading and Supply Chain, holding accountability for shortages, late deliveries, code life and stock presentation.
• Monitor and report on KPI performance and take action where needed.
• Complete daily exceptions and escalations on time, investigate root causes and share knowledge across teams.

Required profile

• Evidence of using data for analysis and decision making in an FMCG or head office retail environment.
• Experience of working in a trading team to deliver measurable performance.
• Collaboration on projects to deliver solutions for business success.
• Influencing and managing supplier and customer relationships.

Required skills

• Desirable: JDA system knowledge and experience.
• Desirable: Anaplan knowledge and experience.

What we offer

• Permanent position with a salary up to £55,000 depending on experience (advertised range £44,000 - £69,100).
• Night premium of £5.25 per hour for work between 22:00 and 06:00.
• Hybrid working, aiming for three days a week in the office, with occasional weekend work.
• Pension, life assurance, holiday leave, partner discounts and leisure learning support.