Key accountabilities and measures

• Working with the Buying team to create the Global Department plan in line with the BU strategy to deliver (Market Share, Sales, Total Stock, Intake, Commitment, Customer Availability, Pricing, Markdown, GSM, Option Count and OTB for all Channels inc International as appropriate)
• Accountable for managing the Department critical path and launch and exit dates
• Accountable for creating accurate long term and short-term Department forecasts
• Planning Department & Ranges in accordance with the Integrated Planning Calendar, working with the Buying team to determine the products offered in each quarter and supporting the creation of a range framework across all channels inc International
• Accountable for Management of stock throughout the supply chain to meet sales, launch targets and customer availability in a cost effective way across all channels inc International
• Provide a weekly view of stock and sales performance results to BU Leadership team and analyse commercial information to the wider Business Unit management team and input to strategy
• Coordinating sub-brand or departmental range plans that meet multi-channel, inc International, needs and customer profiles in support of the Buying teams
• Working with the Sourcing Offices to exploit their capabilities and ensure ways of working are established in line with the direct design process
• Working with Space Leadership to plan, optimise and review store space by the appropriate grading, ranging and number of ways for the stores
• Interface for .com, International, Outlets & Retail to identify and maximise trading opportunities for the BU across all channels
• Responsible for planning departmental promotional activity across all UK channels and ensuring this is managed in line with marketing strategy and meets GSM targets
• Ensure the Merchandising team plan and fulfil E-Com, Outlets and International channel requirements
• Accountable for delivering One Best Way of working providing standardised and consistency across Merchandising in all BUs
• Leading change within the Merchandising and Planning functions within the Business Unit and ensuring effective communication between direct reports and key stakeholders
• Assist the International team to maximise M&S departmental sales during International Buying events
• Train, motivate and develop a high performing team

Key skills

• In depth knowledge of a broad range of product areas or industries
• In depth knowledge of the planning & trading complexities associated with multi-channel retailing of own branded merchandise including the understanding of the efficient management of a global supply chain
• In depth knowledge of the processes and systems required to support the setting and monitoring of forecasts, stock plans and budgets for sales and profit
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with senior managers and manage an operational team, set targets and ensure they are met
• Strong numerical and analytical skills to optimise trading performance Able to fully utilise the relevant IT systems
• Leadership skills
• Exploiting Business resource
• Excellent influencing skills
• Initiate and build strong relationships with Design, Buying and Technology Strong strategic planning and organisational skills

Key relationships and stakeholders

• Merchandising team and peers
• Commercial and Operations Team
• Retail, Ecommerce, International, Ocado, Outlets
• Suppliers
• Sourcing Offices
• Buying Team
• Demand and Fulfilment Team Retail Trading
• Finance
• Supply Chain and Logistics