Merchandise Planner - Retail Supply Chain

About us

Halfords is on a journey - building the future of motoring and cycling and looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. We’re a place for co‑creators: people who want to make a real impact, take ownership and be part of something that’s still evolving.

As the UK’s leading retailer of motoring and cycling products, we’re supported by one of the country’s largest independent vehicle servicing, maintenance and repair networks through Halfords Autocentres. This breadth gives us a strong, stable foundation - and the freedom to keep innovating and growing.

That means real variety for our colleagues, along with the opportunity to learn, stretch and develop as the business moves forward. Whatever your role, you’ll be part of a team focused on delivering exceptional service - using your expertise to solve problems, guide customers and help keep the nation moving with confidence.

About the role

Working in close partnership with Buyers, Marketing, Store Development, Quality, Operations, Digital teams, and Suppliers, our Merchandise Planners play a pivotal role in driving commercial success. You’ll ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time, delivering a seamless experience for both our store and online customers. Collaborating closely with the Trading team, you’ll produce insightful analysis and commercially focused reporting to inform key decisions and support profitable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage inventory stock budgets, ensuring delivery against OTB, availability, and stock turn KPIs.
• Own sales volume forecasting for designated categories, collaborating closely with trading teams and suppliers to plan new ranges, promotions, and seasonal activity.
• Develop and manage intake plans aligned to budget expectations and trading priorities.
• Partner with Buyers to influence sales, margin, and volume forecasts, driving strong commercial outcomes.
• Shape key commercial and space‑planning decisions through effective cross‑functional collaboration with Buyers and the Space Planning team.
• Support and drive continuous improvements across multichannel performance and execution.
• Ensure promotions and range reviews are delivered in store accurately, on time, and in line with plan.
• Proactively manage promotional exits to minimise risk and improve stock efficiency.
• Deliver against obsolete and redundant stock targets through effective mitigation and recovery planning.
• Work closely with Logistics to optimise end‑to‑end stock flow from supplier to store.
• Build strong supplier partnerships through regular communication, performance reviews, and forecasting discussions.
• Manage supplier performance to ensure service, availability, and commercial expectations are met.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with Retail Operations to support seamless execution in store.

About you

• An experienced and highly motivated merchandise planning professional with proven experience in a similar merchandising and stock planning role.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment and consistently deliver strong commercial results.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences through smart, insight‑led and data‑driven decisions.
• Highly analytical with excellent problem‑solving and commercial judgement skills.
• Confident using SAP / BW, with Power BI experience an advantage.
• Advanced Excel and data‑handling capability, with the ability to turn complex data into clear commercial insight.
• A confident communicator, able to influence and present clearly and concisely at all levels of the business.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to challenge constructively and drive the right outcomes.
• A proven team player who works collaboratively across functions to achieve shared goals.

Reward & benefits

• A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.
• Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.
• We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home.
• You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services.
• Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.

At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.