Forecast Merchandiser

Are you currently working in a forecasting, analyst, or retail e-commerce planning role?

Do you enjoy using data, trends, and insight to shape commercial decisions across a global retail business?

Our client is a fast-growing, global retailer seeking an experienced Forecast Merchandiser to join their merchandising team. This is a key role working closely with the Head of Merchandising and cross-functional teams to strategically drive stock and sales performance across all trading markets and channels.

The ideal candidate will have a strong forecasting background, thrive in a fast-paced e-commerce environment, and enjoy influencing business decisions through data-driven insight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create demand forecasts by category, season, and channel using historical data, market insight, and seasonal trends.
• Collaborate with Buying, Design, and Purchasing teams to align forecasts with merchandising strategies.
• Monitor stock levels and recommend adjustments to improve availability and reduce risk.
• Partner with other departments to incorporate promotions, launches, and events into forecasts.
• Track and report forecast accuracy, providing actionable insight to the Head of Merchandising and Directors.
• Identify risks and opportunities in demand planning and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Lead allocation planning and product selection to optimise performance across all sales channels.
• Attend logistics meetings and manage inbound inventory bottlenecks.
• Use AI tools, advanced Excel, and Power BI to model scenarios and optimise inventory.
• Review high stock levels and propose promotional and pricing strategies to clear excess stock.
• Present performance vs forecast to the wider business with recommendations for future planning.
• Support the development of merchandising systems, reports, and dashboards.
• Develop contingency plans for demand volatility, supply chain disruption, and market change.
• Contribute to sustainability by reducing markdowns, overproduction, and stock wastage.
• Mentor and support junior members of the merchandising team where required.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in forecasting and trend analysis within a fast-paced global retail environment.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to drive department performance.
• Confident presenting KPIs to teams and senior management.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with retail systems (Oracle and/or NetSuite desirable).
• Experience using Power BI, AI tools, or scenario modelling.
• Strong awareness of market trends and trading conditions.
• Experience within an e-commerce business.
• Ability to anticipate and manage supply chain risk and demand fluctuation.
• Collaborative working style with strong stakeholder relationship skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

Additional Information:

• Full-time, Monday Friday
• Hybrid working: 3 days office-based / 2 days WFH
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Pension scheme
• Employee discount
• Career development and progression opportunities

To express interest in this promising role, kindly forward your latest CV, detailing your present or most recent remuneration package and any notice period you might have. For a discreet, detailed discussion about the role, you can reach out to Shanelle Bowyer at (phone number removed). Alternatively, connect with me on LinkedIn via the following link: (url removed)/