The job holder will be responsible for merchandise planning process to achieve department /category sales, margin, stockholding and flow objectives under the guidance of Head Merchandise Planning. Location Planning Process – • The “Hub” between central and territory teams • Managing assortments to local trading conditions • Co-ordinate new launches. • Take an overview of stores across all product categories • Total store clustering • Plan space allocation by department accounting for the concept growth areas • Work with space planning to ensure space strategy is implemented • Review and action amendments to replenishment groups and parameters • Responsible for maximizing the locations KPI’s • Attending area meetings and Range Reviews, providing feedback Management • Input strategic guidance to teams for location planning tool • Lead by example to manage and build relationships with stakeholders • Manage and develop a high performing team • Identify and mentor talent, manage poor performers • Trading/ Commerciality • Prepare weekly overview of Store Performance, identifying 'fashion' priorities and proposed activity to address risks or opportunities, spotting trends to feedback to B&M • Analyse reports and make recommendations regarding stock distribution using forecast sales trends • Represent locations and territories in the weekly trading meetings• Customer • Be the first point of contact within merchandising for store issues • Liaison with and visit stores within your regions to identify local opportunities • Take an overview and summaries feedback from retail • Working closely with Area Managers to build up profiles of stores to manage their stock packages to meet local customers’ needs