My client is looking for a commercially driven and analytically strong Merchandise Planning & Buying Manager to lead planning, forecasting, buying, inventory, and merchandising functions across multiple footwear brands. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a growing entrepreneurial business and can balance commercial decision-making with operational execution. Duties include: Develop seasonal merchandise and demand plans Forecast sales, stock, and production requirements Manage inventory levels, replenishment, and stock flow Analyse product performance, margins, sell-through, and stock turn Support buying decisions and assortment planning Coordinate planning across retail, wholesale, ecommerce, and manufacturing Drive reporting, dashboards, and commercial insights Manage OTB (Open-to-Buy) planning and stock allocation Support launch readiness and seasonal trading plans Requirements 4–8 years’ relevant experience in merchandise planning, buying, or inventory management Footwear, fashion, apparel, or retail planning experience essential Manufacturing exposure advantageous Strong forecasting, analytical, and reporting ability Advanced Excel essential Experience with ERP, POS, inventory, and ecommerce systems Understanding of retail mathematics, stock planning, and margin analysis Advantageous Skills Power BI Shopify analytics SQL / advanced reporting tools Manufacturing ERP systems Ideal Candidate ? Highly analytical? Commercially minded? Detail-oriented? Proactive and adaptable? Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced SME environment