Merchandise Planner - #1778376

UNIQLO is a leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. UNIQLO respects the individuality and lifestyle of all customers and takes pride in creating high quality, long-lasting, innovative clothing at an affordable price.

We are currently recruiting for a Merchandiser to sit within the clothing team, covering the EU market. The role will be based in our London office. You will be reporting into the Head of Merchandising.

As a Senior Assistant Merchandiser, you will develop and implement the commercial strategy for our collection. This position represents an excellent opportunity for a 4-6 year experienced merchandising professional to join a very dynamic team and grow your skills and career with our expanding EU business.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Overseeing your division buying plan. Providing information to ensure consistent management of product
• Identifying and interpreting market trends through market research, whilst remaining aware of the activities of our primary competitors
• Establishing best practice to feedback and recommending product for European market with Global Merchandising and Product Development teams in Tokyo
• Reviewing the weekly sales figures and undertake analysis and action to continually update forward buying forecasts. Identify trends which represent opportunities or risk to profit
• Agreeing divisional budgets, seasonal pricing proposal, mark downs and promotional strategies in conjunction with stores and other merchandisers to achieve profit targets.
• Co-ordinating timing on range assortments and delivery with Global Merchandising
• Regularly reviewing the delivery schedule forecasts and the actual intake of merchandise with Production and Logistics Departments, anticipating and/or identifying potential problems and take remedial action to resolve issues
• Managing the optimization of store stocks in line with sales performance to improve company profitability and maximize product availability
• Coordinating activities between all markets on layout plans and zoning to deliver best layout in timely manner for European stores
• Collaborating with European Marketing and Inventory control teams on all departmental activities, for example, campaign plans and timing
• Establishing close contact with stores in order to assess the impact of the range and address opportunities, follow through with In Store Merchandising and Marketing teams if required
• In conjunction with store operations, support the development of the store opening programme, stock planning, initial allocation and store layout
• Following and revising the merchandise planning calendar to ensure all deadlines are met. Support the development of the critical path
  
  
  

Qualifications & Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree but not necessarily in buying/merchandising
• 4-6 years’ experience in a merchandising role, with at least 3 years’ experience managing menswear category
• Retail experience is a must
  
  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Understanding and ability to apply merchandising principles and practices
• Understanding of store operations and supply chain process
• High attention to details and relishes being very hands-on
• Commercially savvy in order to manage business performance
• Computer literate with expert knowledge of Excel
• Team player who effectively collaborates across functions
• Ability to prioritize own workload to deliver to tight deadlines. Proactive and easily adapt to change
• Understands and is excited to support UNIQLO's LifeWear concept
  
  
  

What We Can Offer You

• 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Staff Discount 30%
• Global Profit Share Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Medical Care
• Private Pension Scheme
• Travel to work loan scheme
  
  
  

Additional Benefits

• Tea and coffee provided
• Hybrid working, 2 days from home, 3 days in the office
• Social events throughout the year
• Seasonal Sample Sales
• Volunteer Day – twice a year
• Great Location - Close to transport links, underground Piccadilly and Oxford Street stations. Close by to shops restaurants/bars/cinema and gyms
  
  
  

UNIQLO is an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all profiles, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or background.

We take data protection very seriously and understand the importance of protecting your privacy and Personal Information. For the recruitment process, you can find the applicable privacy policy on our site: https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/privacy/eurecruitment.html