The Advocate Group are proud to be partnering with Ariat in their search for a Merchandise Planning Manager to lead and develop their planning function. Founded on innovation, performance and quality, Ariat has built a strong international reputation across equestrian, outdoor and lifestyle markets, with ambitious plans for continued growth.
This pivotal leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the planning function, develop a high-performing team, and introduce new processes and ways of working to support the next stage of the business.
The Role:
- You’ll lead the planning function, ensuring the business has the right stock, at the right time and in the right quantities, while maximising sales and minimising stock risk.
- Lead, develop and coach the planning team, driving high performance and best practice.
- Own forecasting and planning across wholesale, e-commerce, marketplaces and events.
- Set and manage sales and stock targets across departments and sub-categories.
- Drive excellent product availability across core and seasonal ranges.
- Work closely with Product to identify opportunities and drive category growth.
- Manage the purchasing critical path, working closely with Ariat International in the US.
- Oversee purchase orders, SAP processes, and ongoing improvements to planning systems.
- Provide regular commercial reporting and actionable sales and stock insight.
- Identify opportunities to improve existing processes and introduce new ways of working.
- Build strong relationships with US planning partners and wider business stakeholders.
- Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the planning function as Ariat continues to grow.
About You:
- We’re looking for an experienced and commercially astute planning leader who can combine strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach.
- 5+ years’ planning experience within retail, fashion, wholesale, e-commerce or FMCG.
- Proven leadership and change management experience.
- Strong forecasting, stock management and commercial analysis skills.
- Experience working with apparel, footwear or consumer fashion products.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience using SAP.
- Confidence working with large datasets and turning analysis into actionable insight.
- Excellent organisation, prioritisation and time‑management skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A collaborative, proactive and commercially focused approach.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…