Assistant Planning Manager (Merchandising)

About the role

The Assistant Planning Manager supports the Planning function by creating accurate financial, sales and inventory plans across multiple channels and markets. Working closely with Merchandising, Allocation, Retail and Supply Chain teams, the role ensures plans are aligned, executed precisely and contribute to overall business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the annual business plan by market and business unit.
• Deliver weekly Warehouse Sales and Stock Intake (WSSI) reports for Clothing & Home, Food and the total business.
• Support seasonal and annual sales forecasting, incorporating past performance, trends and business drivers.
• Prepare financial projections for gross profit, margin, markdown and inventory.
• Monitor performance versus plan, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Assist the Planning Manager with business‑unit sales planning and gap analysis.
• Manage markdown planning, price phasing and promotional analysis to protect margin while achieving sell‑through targets.
• Produce weekly and monthly performance reports, analysing product, category and store results.
• Collaborate with Finance, Buying and Merchandising to validate forecasts and support weekly planning.
• Maintain accurate planning data, product hierarchies and develop templates, dashboards and presentations for reviews.

Required profile

• Strong analytical and numerical aptitude.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with finance, merchandising and supply‑chain teams.
• Attention to detail and proactive risk identification.

Required skills

• Excel