Demand Planner / Merchandiser - Lifestyle Apparel Brand

People Marketing client, a lifestyle apparel brand based in Poole, seeks a highly organised, commercially driven Demand Planner/Merchandiser to play a key role in optimising stock levels, forecasting demand, and maximising sales performance across multiple channels, including wholesale, concession, and direct-to-consumer (D2C).

This is a dynamic, analytical role that combines strategic planning with hands-on stock management and involves working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to ensure efficient inventory flow, strong product availability, and alignment with overall business objectives.

If you have fashion & textiles experience and are confident working with data to influence business outcomes and problem solving - we would love to hear from you!.

This opportunity is full-time office-based.

Demand Planner/Merchandiser - Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee seasonal forward buys across all brands, from initial range planning through to timely submission
• Analyse historical sales data and forecasts to determine optimal SKU counts in collaboration with relevant teams
• Manage in-season call-offs to maintain stock availability and maximise trading performance
• Optimise forward buying decisions using data insights and supplier flexibility
• Collaborate on drop plans that align with current trends and brand positioning
• Oversee weekly replenishment across all D2C channels and marketplaces
• Manage budgets and markdown strategies to achieve sales targets and maximise profitability
• Develop and maintain replenishment plans in partnership with Sales teams and key customers
• Regularly review stock levels and contribute to clearance strategies to optimise inventory
• Lead weekly trade meetings and manage trade reporting across all channels
• Produce regular reports on stock position, incoming deliveries, and seasonal performance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams (Customer Services, Commercial, Finance, Warehouse) and external partners (brands, forwarders)
• Ensure excellent customer service both internally and externally
• Support allocation, range planning, stock launches, forecasting, and replenishment across D2C marketplaces and online concessions
• Undertake additional tasks as required to support business needs

Demand Planner/Merchandiser - The Person:

• Degree in Fashion, Business, Merchandising, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 
• Experience within fashion retail or brand environment.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions
• Advanced Excel skills (including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables)
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills