Overview Position: Retail Planning Analyst Location: Remote working, UK based Department: Merchandising & Planning Reports To: Head of UK Planning & Allocation About Foot Locker UK: Foot Locker is a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, known for connecting with sneaker culture and creating a premium shopping experience. At Foot Locker UK, we’re passionate about bringing the best products to our customers while delivering exceptional service. We are looking for a data-driven and dynamic Retail Planning Analyst to help us optimize our business operations and continue to lead the way in the athletic retail industry. Role Summary: As a Retail Planning Analyst at Foot Locker UK, you will be at the heart of decision-making for our retail operations. You’ll leverage data insights to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and ensure the right product is available at the right time and location. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you’ll play a critical role in achieving sales, margin, and inventory objectives while supporting the growth of our UK retail business. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Data Analysis & Reporting · Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and key retail metrics across Foot Locker UK stores. · Use a combination of existing and new reports to present data to provide insights into product and category performance, identifying opportunities for improvement. · Develop dashboards to monitor KPIs and track the success of inventory and sales strategies. Demand Forecasting & Planning · Use historical sales data and market trends to develop accurate sales and demand forecasts. · Provide the planning & buying team with data to plan seasonal product assortments and ensure alignment with sales goals. · Support the development of store-level allocation plans to optimize product placement and availability. Inventory Management · Monitor UK inventory levels and identify opportunities to minimize overstock and stockouts. · Collaborate with allocation and supply chain teams to ensure timely product replenishment across stores and online channels. · Implement and optimize product lifecycle management, to improve underperforming product liquidation and maximize profitability. Market & Consumer Insights · Conduct market research to understand consumer trends and preferences within the UK market. · Analyze competitor performance and pricing strategies to ensure Foot Locker remains competitive. · Provide data to the planning and buying team to improve the product assortment and align with customer demand. Collaboration & Communication · Work closely with the buying, merchandising, marketing, and store operations teams to align plans and ensure seamless execution. · Support the marketing team with data-driven insights for promotions and campaigns, ensuring proper inventory coverage. · Act as a key liaison between planning and other business units to deliver cohesive strategies. Process Optimization · Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency in planning, forecasting, and reporting. · Support the adoption and usage of planning tools and systems to improve decision-making. Qualifications Skills & Experience Essential: · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field. · 3-5 years of experience in a retail planning, merchandising, or analytical role. · Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data and providing actionable recommendations. · Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, advanced formulas). · Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BIExcellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams. Desirable: · Familiarity with retail planning software (e.g., SAP, JDA, Oracle Retail or Marketmax) · Experience within a retail or fashion environment, ideally with a focus on footwear or apparel. · A passion for sneakers, streetwear, and understanding of UK consumer behavior in athletic retail. Key Competencies: · Analytical Thinking: Ability to extract and interpret complex data sets to drive decision-making. · Commercial Awareness: Understanding of retail KPIs and their impact on overall performance. · Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. · Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing solutions. · Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing market conditions and priorities. Benefits What We Offer: · An opportunity to work with a global brand that leads the sneaker culture. · A collaborative and innovative work environment. · Competitive salary and benefits, including [e.g., employee discounts, performance bonuses, pension contributions]. · Opportunities for professional growth and development. · Access to exclusive products and events.