Merchandise Planner - Maternity Cover

Role Overview

This position of Merchandise Planner at Clarks is responsible for creating precise demand forecasts across all owned sales channels for a specified gender category, including retail, online, and outlets where applicable. The role involves utilizing specialized systems to guide stock allocation and replenishment from the Distribution Centre, ensuring the correct stock reaches the right locations timely while optimizing inventory levels. Regular evaluation and updates of forecasts based on sales data, promotional activities, and commercial plans are essential to align with the Supply Chain and support production decisions. Managing stock flow through the entire Supply Chain by adhering to the consensus forecast and considering logistical constraints such as Distribution Centre capacity and delivery schedules is a core function.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and update both long-term (pre-season) and short-term (in-season) forecasts to support Merchandise and Supply Chain operations in delivering the right products at the right time.
• Provide inputs to the seasonal assortment plan, recommending initial allocations and replenishment profiles.
• Collaborate closely with Merchandise teams to ensure forecasts meet commercial objectives, including adjustments for new products, promotions, store changes, and unforeseen events.
• Align seasonal assortment and allocation plans to demand and fulfillment strategies, addressing discrepancies promptly for accuracy.
• Adjust store-level profiles and size/time distributions dynamically in response to trading trends; oversee smooth launch of new products in stores jointly with Supply Chain and Merchandise planning.
• Maintain and enhance forecast accuracy by analyzing channel-specific exception reports, identifying root causes of errors, and optimizing forecasts for high-impact items.
• Ensure stock allocations adhere to established plans and optimize in-season profiles to enhance inventory availability and respond to trading plan modifications.
• Utilize the JDA Fulfillment system for configuring parameters that drive stock distribution aligned with overall strategies and forecasts; address changes due to assortment alterations or product recalls effectively.
• Coordinate regularly with Supply Chain teams to facilitate accurate planning across Distribution Centres, stores, and logistics, escalating any product setup issues such as incorrect assortments for resolution.
• Manage stock clearance strategies, including end-of-life markdowns and dynamic allocation to support approved exit plans.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong numerical and analytical capabilities with an aptitude for interpreting complex data.
• Proficiency using analytical and database tools such as SQL, BI platforms, and advanced Excel functions.
• Familiarity with allocation and replenishment systems is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in reviewing datasets and identifying issues or exceptions.
• Understanding of merchandise planning processes is essential.
• Preferred knowledge of demand forecasting techniques and inventory management principles.

Experience & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen and sound judgment.
• Prior experience or comprehensive understanding of retail environments.
• Proactive, resilient, and capable of prioritizing and managing workload independently.
• Demonstrated initiative with the ability to influence and collaborate within teams.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salary package.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Supportive, cooperative workplace culture.
• Comprehensive benefits program.

About Clarks

Based in Somerset, England, Clarks has a rich heritage in innovative shoemaking since 1825, known for craftsmanship and style. The company has a legacy of iconic designs such as the Desert Boot and Wallabee, representing a commitment to quality and fashion. Joining Clarks means becoming part of a global brand with opportunities for training and career progression.

Additional Information

This job is a fixed-term maternity cover contract lasting one year, based on-site in Street, England. The job description outlines the general duties and responsibilities but is not exhaustive; tasks may be added or changed at the employer's discretion without prior notice.