Stock Merchandising Planner - 12 Month Maternity Cover

Our client, a fast growing technical distributor based on the outskirts of Marlow, is seeking a Stock Merchandising Planner (12 Month Maternity Cover) to drive the department and company performance by planning, managing and optimising stock, including markdown. Duties of the role will include: Being pivotal in driving the category strategy with the Category Manager, including planning, stock management, stock turn, markdown and profit Managing 'open-to-buy’ at category level using the WSSI and key line information Range planning and markdown control and managing stock levels to keep within budgeted levels Consistently managing the supply base, monitoring requirement and intake and working closely with suppliers to minimise lead times, creating flexibility and maximising availability Flex 'open-to-buy’ and 'intake’ so as to maintain stock levels by category in line with weekly closing stock targets, as defined on the WSSI Driving in stock availability and managing branch replenishment and stock profiles, achieving 95% availability for both the distribution centre and store on 'V’ priority lines Improving accuracy on both sales and intake forecasts Reviewing and maintaining the order book to match intake forecasts Maintaining stock at optimum levels via re-buys, intake phasing (Just in Time) and replenishment in stores Assisting in developing range plans and providing analysis of range and product performance Undertaking branch visits during the year to ensure awareness of the business, the market and the competition Special Requirements / Additional Information: Proven strong retail background, ideally with an element of stock management or merchandising experience Strong analytical skills with the ability to deal with large amounts of ambiguous data Advanced Excel skills and highly computer literate (essential) The ability to work in a fast paced environment whilst retaining strong attention to detail Strong influencing abilities, self-motivated, highly organised and with the ability to manage competing priorities and to deliver to tight deadlines Flexible in approach to work flow and priorities and a driver of change when needed A team player Additional Information: 42.5 Hours per week