Do you have a passion for toys and making a difference in a business that is going places?
Ever wanted to have a secret meeting in the Batcave or immerse yourself in Jurassic World? Join us at The Entertainer Head Office and you can do exactly that in our bright character-based meeting rooms!
This position is based at our Head Office in Amersham. You must live within a reasonable distance to the office or be willing to relocate by the role commencement date.
Job Purpose
The Trade Planner is responsible for optimising promotional activity, trade investment, and in‑store execution to drive sales, margin, and volume performance. Sitting at the intersection of commercial strategy, merchandising, and operations, the role translates customer and market insight into effective trade plans. As a customer-facing role, strong communication, influencing, and collaboration skills are essential to ensure alignment and right‑first‑time execution
You are commercially minded, with the ability to optimise promotional activity, trade investment, and in‑store execution to drive sales, margin, and volume performance. You translate customer and market insight into effective trade plans, working at the intersection of commercial strategy, merchandising, and operations. As a customer‑facing role, you communicate confidently, influence stakeholders, and collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure alignment and right‑first‑time execution.
Skills & Experience
1. Degree‑educated (or equivalent professional experience), ideally in a numerical, analytical, or commercial discipline such as Business, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or similar, with 3–5 years’ relevant experience in a retail, commercial, or analytical role.
2. Strong analytical capability, with advanced Excel skills and a proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable commercial insight.
3. Well‑developed commercial acumen, with confidence in making sound, data‑driven decisions in a fast‑paced trading environment.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple functions.
5. Strong planning and project management skills, able to prioritise workload and deliver at pace within a deadline‑driven retail environment.
6. Retail experience is highly desirable, particularly knowledge of in‑store execution, compliance, or space planning
Responsibilities
7. Develop and manage the annual trade and promotional calendar, aligned to commercial objectives and customer needs
8. Analyse sales performance, promotional effectiveness, market trends, and competitor activity to inform planning and forecasting
9. Allocate promotional budgets and trade investment to maximise return and profitability
10. Partner closely with Buying, Product Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations to deliver joined‑up plans
11. Ensure right‑first‑time execution of in‑store campaigns, tracking compliance and addressing gaps quickly
12. Monitor performance against sales, margin, volume, and promotional KPIs, providing clear and actionable reporting
Manage governance processes, including approvals and sign‑offs for promotional activity
For further details about the role, please consult the Job Profile.
As an employee at The Entertainer, your amazing benefits will include:
13. Flexible access to your pay via MyView PayNow
14. Retail Trust benefits, including a Virtual GP.
15. Birthday Leave plus 33 days holiday.
16. Buy up to 5 extra holiday days a year, ideal for more rest, adventures, or time for you.
17. Pension salary sacrifice to help you plan for the future.
18. Life Cover for added peace of mind.
19. Generous toy discount.
20. Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
21. High Street & leisure discounts
22. Cycle to Work Scheme for a healthier commute.
23. Annual Bonus Scheme to reward your success.
So, if you've got a passion for toys and making a difference in a business that is going places, apply now!