Position Overview
This is a Fixed Term 12 month contract based in Watford
The Branch Planner supports the Planning Manager & Lead, while actively overseeing Branch Analytics and Optimisation across Ralph Lauren EMEA stores. They manage detailed store reporting with a focus on optimising space & inventory, providing feedback and proposals to the business to support store performance and capacity management. They will work in partnership with Business Planning, Merchandise Planning, Brand Image, Inventory & Allocation teams, Buying, Retail Operations, and other key stakeholders.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Review weekly trade on Key Performance Indicators to identify challenges/ opportunities with emphasis on timely resolution and optimising profit
2. Maintain and develop team’s central reporting process through accurate and timely generation of Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Annual and Adhoc reporting, managing reports in excel involving large data sets
3. Support creating and sharing analysis to business and key stakeholders e.g. store visit decks, regional trade calls, marketing events.
4. Provide actionable unit capacity guidance and transfer proposals to allocation & inventory partners
5. Maintain retail and sale calendars ensuring they reflect latest information
6. Regular communication with regional managers gathering feedback from their region
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
7. Previous experience as Assistant Branch Planner, Assistant Merchandiser or equivalent (experience in Planning or Distribution is preferable)
8. Must be dynamic, resilient, and happy to work in a fast-paced environment
9. Self-starter; highly motivated and organised
10. Strong analytical skills, proven proficiency in retail mathematics
11. High level of computer literacy, Intermediate/Advanced level excel
12. Attention to detail and able to maintain good accuracy levels
13. Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with business partners
14. Excellent communication skills
15. Creative problem-solver and critical thinker
16. Must have desire to review / create efficiencies in processes