Job Description
Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies, driven by a spirit of curiosity, playfulness, adaptability and passion. These values shape every aspect of the brand, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
We are looking for an experienced Merchandise Planner to assist with the day-to-day running of the Full Price Merchandise Planning team. The role will oversee the Accessories, Footwear and Bought-In categories, ensuring significant decisions are reviewed and signed off as needed. You will play a key role in managing stock, forecasting performance, and driving commercial decisions to maximise sales, margin and stock efficiency. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you will ensure that product is optimally planned, traded and delivered in line with business objectives. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to react quickly to trading performance.
What you’ll be doing
• Utilise knowledge of both internal and external trends and factors ensure all financial targets and objectives are understood and met, including sales, margin and stock.
• Monitor and review stock and performance on an ongoing basis, identifying risks and opportunities and taking timely action.
• Manage seasonal Open to Buy (OTB), ensuring effective allocation of stock across channels and locations.
• Analyse sell-through and stock levels to drive replenishment, consolidations and stock movements, ensuring stock is in the right place at the right time.
• Alongside the Senior Merchandise Planning Manager, prepare a budget plan for the seasonal buys and see the process all the way through to quantifying, size scaling, and preparing and presenting the post buy review.
• Ensure stock is sat within its correct inventories and work with your Outlet counterparts to allow for a smooth transition.
• Ensure the sale runs smoothly and stock is effectively liquidated whilst maintaining margin.
• Ensure all relevant reporting is run and kept up to date.
• Support in overseeing the Full Price team; motivate, manage and develop staff effectively.
• Have regular communication with Shop Managers to understand local needs and feedback.
Who you are
• Proven experience in a merchandising or merchandise planning role within a fast-paced head office environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with a good understanding of the fashion and lifestyle market.
• Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and confidence in handling and interpreting data.
• Advanced Excel skills and confident using Microsoft Office.
• Well organised, methodical and able to manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Previous experience supporting and motivating a team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and influence stakeholders.
• A proactive team player who can also work independently and take ownership of their category.
• Experience working with Accessories, Footwear and/or Bought-In categories is advantageous.
• Flexible approach to working and willingness to travel if required.
Why you’ll love working with us
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your lifestyle and wellbeing, which includes a 60% staff discount and a seasonal clothing allowance. You’ll also enjoy hybrid working (3 days in the office) with flexi-time, 33 days’ annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days, private healthcare with Vitality, wellbeing support and other perks to keep you motivated and inspired.
If you like the sound of what you’ve read so far, find out more about our company culture and the full list of benefits we can offer you.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.