Associate Merchandise Planner

About the Role & Team

You will use business insight and analytics to develop financial and unit plans for a category assortment base, accounting for trends within the Marketplace and consumer segment. Assist the Merchandise Planner in the development of high-level revenue benchmarks to drive key growth initiatives in the category and across channels. Responsible for evaluating the assortment, reacting to in-season performance, trends and findings, to advise and adjust future season assortment and inventory position.

An associate merchandise planner will need to be flexible in terms of travel that might be vital (UK, European or international) and flexible hours may be required to meet business needs. You will be accountable to the Merchandiser Planner and Planning Manager, and you are required to be onsite 4 days a week.

What You Will Do

• Be responsible for category financial plans for growth and profitability that align with key product strategies and initiatives for each channel
• An understanding of category product releases across all channels to mitigate financial gaps year on year and develop strategies for items to optimise efficiency and ensure inventory management of item or category
• Plan and manage the flow of goods via initial hit planning and flow management to improve turn for all channels and multiple distribution centres
• Leverage weekly business insights to understand item level performance to improve in season opportunities and minimise liability
• Manage and input retail category plans for AOP and forecast in the Merchandise Financial Planning System (MFP), making suggestions when needed.
• Operate with integrity, champion change and be a good ambassador for the Walt Disney Company (TWDC)
• Take ownership of your professional development through regular career conversations with your line manager and utilising available resources such as D Learn, instructor-led courses and on the job learning
• Proactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, using technological tools where applicable
• Promote and maintain an inclusive work environment, championing diversity and inclusion and make use of available resources to extend knowledge and standard process
• Accountable for building effective relationship with key collaborators across all levels of the business

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree-level education in a related field or equivalent work experience
• Experience in a similar level role within merchandising
• Validated experience of building and maintaining positive relationships at all levels, managing team members effectively within a large, multi-national, matrix organisation

Preferred Qualifications

• Computer literate, proficient in using key Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and solid understanding of business intelligence software (reporting tools)
• Financial competence and analytical skills
• Strong written and spoken English for business use, crucial
• Strong planning, organisation and problem solving skills and ability to prioritise workload and deliver within challenging timeframes
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Cultural sensitivity

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.