Associate Planner - Contract Based

The Associate Planner will support the delivery of the merchandise planning strategy for an assigned category or brand. Through accurate forecasting, sales planning, inventory analysis, and in-season performance reporting, the role helps achieve sales, margin, and stock targets. Working closely with the Planner and cross-functional teams, the successful candidate will turn complex data into clear commercial insights and support disciplined, data-driven planning decisions.

What You’ll Be Doing -

• Supporting the development of annual and seasonal sales budgets and forecasts through the analysis of historical performance, market trends, and customer demand

• Preparing sales, margin, and stock analysis to support merchandise planning and trading decisions

• Identifying size-profile, localisation, and growth opportunities through data analysis and regular performance reviews

• Analysing assortment performance and inventory flow to highlight emerging trends, risks, and commercial opportunities

• Supporting the development of channel-level assortment plans in line with budgeted receipt and stock targets

• Preparing SKU- and class-level plans and sharing data-driven recommendations with Buying teams for review and validation

• Contributing insights to assortment optimisation and localisation initiatives based on customer behaviour and regional performance

• Monitoring in-season sales, stock, and margin performance across categories and channels

• Preparing weekly and monthly performance reports that clearly communicate opportunities, risks, and recommended actions

• Supporting allocation and replenishment activities by analysing demand, stock levels, and trading performance

• Recommending markdown, reallocation, and replenishment actions in line with agreed financial targets

• Collaborating with Buying, Commercial, Digital, Finance, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and other teams to support effective planning execution

• Providing analytical input to support cross-functional decisions and trade discussions

• Preparing analysis and commercial insights for brand and supplier performance reviews

• Taking ownership of assigned deliverables while contributing positively to the wider Planning team

What We’re Looking For -

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or another relevant field

• 2–3 years of merchandise planning experience within a multi-channel retail or e-commerce organisation

• Strong numerical and analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex reports and quantitative information

• Good financial modelling and analysis skills

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency across Microsoft Office

• Experience using financial analysis and merchandise planning tools

• A commercial mindset and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

• Good understanding of retail, relevant products, and market dynamics

• The ability to build productive cross-functional relationships and work collaboratively to deliver business results

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills

• The confidence to negotiate and influence effectively

• Strong attention to detail, organisation, and prioritisation skills

• A proactive approach, with a willingness to learn and take ownership of results

• Proficiency in English