Hillier Nurseries is a long‑established, family‑owned business with a proud heritage and a commitment to excellence across our tree and plant nurseries and our network of 22 garden centres. We are looking for a commercially minded and analytically strong Assistant Merchandise Planner to join our central team on a permanent, full‑time basis at our Hillier Support Centre in Ampfield, near Romsey. This role offers a competitive salary in the region of £28,000–£35,000, dependent on experience, and applicants must be within a commutable distance of our site in Romsey.
Working as part of the central Merchandising team, the Assistant Merchandise Planner will play a key role in supporting range planning, maintaining availability, and ensuring commercial decisions are grounded in robust data. The postholder will work closely with Buyers, Merchandisers, suppliers, and centre teams to help deliver a compelling, well‑planned product offer that meets customer demand and supports Hillier’s trading strategy.
Key Responsibilities
1. Assist Buyers with new‑season assortment planning by analysing past performance at category, product, and supplier level.
2. Develop forward‑planning documents incorporating sales forecasting and modelling across product, supplier, and category levels.
3. Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of customer buying habits and emerging trends within the gardening and leisure sectors.
4. Maintain accurate product data within C&F, including active flags, pack sizes, season codes, costs, and retail prices.
5. Update category actuals, including wastage, each Monday and ensure the WSSI reflects accurate trading information.
6. Manage intake values and ensure orders align with the Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) within the WSSI plan.
7. Identify risks and opportunities within the WSSI and recommend changes to forward plans in response to trading conditions.
8. Set up and review replenishment settings to ensure stock levels support sales and presentation standards.
9. Place new orders through manual allocation or system‑generated processes and amend orders where supplier issues arise.
10. Monitor outstanding orders, chase overdue deliveries, and maintain accurate due dates.
11. Create and maintain seasonal launch trackers for new product introductions or events.
12. Build seasonal stock plans aligned to expected sales and promotional activity.
13. Maintain product availability to agreed performance levels.
14. Add pre‑nomination promotional forecasts to the trade plan and review with Buyers prior to sign‑off.
15. Place allocations for confirmed promotions and update actual performance once activity is completed.
16. Review and summarise promotional performance with Buyers after each promotional period.
17. Maintain hibernation dates in C&F for products not currently available.
18. Produce supplier fulfilment reports and highlight issues or risks.
19. Build and maintain Joint Business Plans with key suppliers, including forecasts, promotions, and stock builds, reviewing monthly.
20. Analyse sales, profit, and stock forecasts to identify insights and emerging trends, providing clear commercial recommendations.
21. Run availability and long‑stock reports, creating action plans to resolve issues and minimise margin impact.
22. Create, update, and monitor launch trackers and seasonal sell‑through trackers to support stock exit planning.
23. Provide timely and accurate support to centres regarding stock queries, availability issues, and replenishment settings.
24. Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the merchandising function.
Skills and Experience
Essential
25. Experience working within homeware or seasonal product categories.
26. Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
27. High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
28. Confident using Excel and data‑driven systems.
29. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
30. Clear communication skills and the ability to present insights in a concise, commercial manner.
31. Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
Desirable
32. Experience in merchandising, planning, supply chain, or a commercial retail environment.
33. Understanding of WSSI, OTB, forecasting, or replenishment systems.
34. Experience working with suppliers or supporting commercial negotiations.
35. Experience within a multi‑site or retail‑based organisation.
36. Experience in garden, horticulture, or related product categories.
Personal Attributes
37. Commercially curious with a strong interest in understanding customer behaviour and product performance.
38. Approachable, collaborative, and confident in building strong working relationships.
39. Clear communicator with a practical, solutions‑focused approach.
40. Calm, organised, and resilient when managing competing priorities.
41. High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate data.
42. Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn.
43. Positive role model who promotes teamwork, fairness, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
44. 31 days annual leave
45. Employee discount.
46. Group Personal Pension Scheme.
47. Life Assurance Cover.
48. Employee Assistance Programme
Hillier Nurseries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right‑to‑work status.