Branch Merchandising Planner

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Ranging & Space Optimization
• Analyse store-level and product performance to create precise product range plans and establish store grading.
• Tailor product ranges to ensure showrooms deliver a balanced, commercial choice for customers that reflects ongoing sales trends.
• Track and report on Sales per Square Foot and Profit per Square Foot at both the category and individual product level.
• Identify underperforming display spaces or ranges and propose layout or product swaps to drive conversion.
• Review heat-mapping data to identify cold spots on the showroom floor and optimize the customer journey.
• Project Delivery & Store Execution
• Support store refits, relocations, and new openings by preparing detailed store product range plans and ordering required stock.
• Carry out regular store surveys to assess space utilization and ensure compliance with company display standards.
• Maintain the asset register for in-store product merchandising and support the clearance ordering and allocation process.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with the Commercial Team to understand upcoming ranges and advise on physical store capacity constraints before orders are finalized.
• Work closely with Retail Area Managers and Store Managers to gather qualitative feedback on product ranging and local market nuances.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Visual Merchandising (VM) to ensure point-of-sale (POS) materials align seamlessly with the macro space plan.
• Collaborate with VM and Buying to ensure product pairings (e.g., Mattress and Bed Base), adjacencies, and planograms are reflected in store layouts to maximize sales and customer flow.
• Reporting, Strategy & Leadership
• Prepare clear reports to communicate proposals and changes to stakeholders, including accurate cost and timeline estimates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at standardizing planning processes and improving overall departmental efficiency.
• Create and manage a bi-annual space planning process to ensure optimisation of our opportunity with store space
• Manage and develop the branch merchandiser, fostering a high-performing and commercially focused team environment.
• What You Bring to the Sleepover
• Essential Skills & Experience:
• Relevant Experience: Previous experience in space planning, branch merchandising, or macro space allocation, ideally within large-format retail (such as furniture, homewares, or DIY).
• Commercial Acumen: A deep understanding of retail metrics, particularly yield, space elasticity, and conversion rates.
• Analytical Skills: Strong Excel and analytical capabilities for in-depth commercial data analysis.
• Spatial Awareness: A keen eye for 3D environments and a solid understanding of how customers physically interact with large products on the shop floor.
• Organization: Strong attention to detail paired with an organized, methodical approach to documentation and record-keeping.
• Communication: Effective communication skills with the proven ability to present proposals to non-technical colleagues and manage stakeholder relationships smoothly.
• Project Management: The ability to work agilely across multiple projects, prioritize a demanding workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Here’s What You Get:
• Employee discount scheme for Bensons products (up to 50% off)
• Competitive pension scheme – provided by Legal & General
• Life Assurance and Income Protection
• Medicash – cashback options for health and wellbeing services
• Access to Retail Trust services for support and guidance
• Annual leave buy & sell scheme and enhanced family leave
• Learning and development programmes and clear progression pathways
• Hybrid working to support work-life balance
• (qualifying periods and terms apply)
• Ready to shape our stores and create great customer spaces?
• Apply today to join a team where your planning helps deliver the best night's sleep—every night.