L3 Merchandise Planner

Vacancy NameL3 Merchandise PlannerVacancy NoVN598Job TypePermanentLocationHatfieldJob Details

We’re Ocado Retail. We’re the people powering Ocado.com , the world’s largest online grocer, and Zoom by Ocado , our almost-as-fast-growing, same-day grocery service. As the world’s biggest and best online-only grocer, we work tirelessly to bring more of what matters to our customers: unbeatable range, fair value and effortless convenience.

We’re an exceptional and mighty bunch of colleagues who are inspired by our three awesome values: Always be curious , Bring your best self, and Challenge what's possible .

We have ambitious plans and vision to never stop making our customers' lives better, by delivering the supermarket of tomorrow, today.

About the Role

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for the optimisation of stock levels for their department on Ocado.com. They will have full accountability for the stock holding, availability to promise, service levels, YOY improvements in stock cover, and warehouse space utilisation across a specified set of categories and suppliers.

The Merchandise Planner works closely with the MPM & Buying Manager for the relevant to ensure sales weighted availability is maintained at optimal levels to drive sales, meet KPI’s and boost warehouse efficiencies. They are also responsible for delivering their departments KPIs including basket contribution (sales), gross margin, profitability, aged stock and purge.

Key Responsibilities:

Forecasting Stock and Commercial Trading – Independently manage macro (category/supplier) and micro (SKU) level forecasting across a defined product area.

Develop and deliver category buying plans aligned to the business’ strategies and commercial targets Long term stock projections for new season launches working in line with the financial KPIs, OTB budgets, promotional plans and planned visibility Daily validation of system generated purchase orders with complete focus on maintaining high standards of sales weighted availability Managing availability and stock levels throughout the season, identifying and handling gaps between forecasts and trading actuals Working closely with the SC team to support 95% ATP on range managed by them for the relevant department Planning, top line forecasting and trading of key events to maximise sales and minimise residual stock Using reporting tools to analyse and understand performance and opportunities. Analysing past sales figures & trends to anticipate future product performance Ensuring the space within our warehouses is utilised in a profitable manner and that adequate space is available for planned inbound volumes throughout the season Working with product & merchandise team to maximise visibility of best sellers, seasonal products as well as newness at launch

Managing stock clearance and sell through activity – SKU level management of the exit stock. This includes:

Recommending lines that should be discontinued based on average ROS performance, aged stock and supplier MOQ’s Maintaining Aged stock levels to the minimum, by highlighting slow sellers in time so stock is not written off Creating and managing clearance promotions to ensure exit lines are sold through promptly with focus on department level margin targets

Managing Supplier Performance - Work with new and established suppliers to ensure that the supply relationship is nurtured from the start of direct supply through to an effective working relationship. Review and challenge supplier performance, in order to maximise commercial and logistical benefits to the Ocado business. This includes:

Conducting supplier service level reviews Planning new line launches & working with suppliers to ensure that happens in line with critical path timelines Establishing regular communication channels with suppliers, not just when there are issues Holding regular supplier meetings; not just on a “need to” basis to develop relationships with our key and problematic suppliers Producing short, medium to long term forecasts for suppliers to maximise service levels Comply with GSCOP and Competition Law while dealing with suppliers

Data Management – Product and supplier relevant data to be input and maintained using Ocado’s custom built systems. This includes:

Maintaining SKU forecast data in Utopia Create and maintain supplier schedules MOQ sign off and product availability updates for new lines and existing SKUs Admin tasks like raising delists and updating ATP categories to effectively manage ATP

Experience / Skills Required:

Proven experience working as a Merchandise Planner for 6-7 years with experience ideally within online sales in the Homeware, Beauty, Clothing & Healthcare sectors.
What We Offer You

We want our colleagues to feel supported and secure here at Ocado Retail, which is why we have a great range of useful benefits for them to scoop up - and they’re now available to easily learn about using our new platform ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’. Our flexible benefits range from tasty lifestyle discounts to trusty private medical insurance.

These benefits can also be customised so you can pick and choose to best suit your lifestyle.

Core Rewards

Annual bonus scheme 26 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays Up to 7% matched pension contributions (e.g. 7% from you, 7% from us) 50% income protection 4x salary life insurance 15% Ocado.com discount 20% Marks and Spencer discount Company-paid private medical insurance for colleagues with the opportunity to add partners/children at corporate rates and Digital GP service Hybrid Working (2-3 days a week connecting, collaborating, and learning together with our colleagues)

Health & Wellbeing

Private Medical Insurance Critical Illness DigiCare+ Healthcare Cashplan Health Assessment Dental Insurance Eyecare Vouchers Digital GP Mental Health Support

Flexible Benefits

Tax-efficient electric vehicle leasing scheme Access to a retail discount platform, providing discounts and cashback

On-site at Apollo

Free onsite parking and free shuttle service from Hatfield station Regular socials, including Town Halls and Mixers & our ORL Summer Party ‘The Fig’ (serving breakfast, snacks, and lunch), coffee cart, as well as small kitchens (with unlimited refreshments and fresh fruit available every day) and vending machines on each floor. As part of our inclusive nature, help make change within the business and join any of our Networks

Travel to Apollo

We have free onsite parking at Apollo Court, as well as a free shuttle bus service that runs frequently from Hatfield Station - just remember to tell the driver ‘Apollo Court’ as the shuttle also drops at Ocado Group Head Office

Driving: Apollo Court, 2 Bishop Square, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE

Train : Hatfield station is accessible from mainline routes from London Kings Cross, London St Pancras, or Moorgate.

A little bit more about us

Our business is a joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S. It’s a successful combination of award-winning customer service and unrivaled customer data; world-leading technology and logistics from Ocado Group, and unrivaled product development from M&S.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ocado Retail Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employers are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status

Recruitment Privacy Notice

Ocado Retail Limited will process and store your personal information in accordance with our.

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