Associate Planner - Contract Based

Job Overview - The Associate Planner will support the delivery of the merchandise planning strategy for an assigned category or brand. Through accurate forecasting, sales planning, inventory analysis, and in-season performance reporting, the role helps achieve sales, margin, and stock targets. Working closely with the Planner and cross-functional teams, the successful candidate will turn complex data into clear commercial insights and support disciplined, data-driven planning decisions. What You’ll Be Doing - - Supporting the development of annual and seasonal sales budgets and forecasts through the analysis of historical performance, market trends, and customer demand - Preparing sales, margin, and stock analysis to support merchandise planning and trading decisions - Identifying size-profile, localisation, and growth opportunities through data analysis and regular performance reviews - Analysing assortment performance and inventory flow to highlight emerging trends, risks, and commercial opportunities - Supporting the development of channel-level assortment plans in line with budgeted receipt and stock targets - Preparing SKU- and class-level plans and sharing data-driven recommendations with Buying teams for review and validation - Contributing insights to assortment optimisation and localisation initiatives based on customer behaviour and regional performance - Monitoring in-season sales, stock, and margin performance across categories and channels - Preparing weekly and monthly performance reports that clearly communicate opportunities, risks, and recommended actions - Supporting allocation and replenishment activities by analysing demand, stock levels, and trading performance - Recommending markdown, reallocation, and replenishment actions in line with agreed financial targets - Collaborating with Buying, Commercial, Digital, Finance, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and other teams to support effective planning execution - Providing analytical input to support cross-functional decisions and trade discussions - Preparing analysis and commercial insights for brand and supplier performance reviews - Taking ownership of assigned deliverables while contributing positively to the wider Planning team What We’re Looking For - - Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or another relevant field - 2–3 years of merchandise planning experience within a multi-channel retail or e-commerce organisation - Strong numerical and analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex reports and quantitative information - Good financial modelling and analysis skills - Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency across Microsoft Office - Experience using financial analysis and merchandise planning tools - A commercial mindset and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving - Good understanding of retail, relevant products, and market dynamics - The ability to build productive cross-functional relationships and work collaboratively to deliver business results - Strong stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills - The confidence to negotiate and influence effectively - Strong attention to detail, organisation, and prioritisation skills - A proactive approach, with a willingness to learn and take ownership of results - Proficiency in English What We Offer - - Dynamic and collaborative workplace culture. - Opportunities for professional development and career growth. - Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits. - Employee discounts and access to exclusive product promotions. Ready to turn insights into commercial impact and help shape the Ounass assortment? Apply now!