Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization

About the role

Planning Tools, Systems & Technical Delivery Lead the implementation, enhancement, and ongoing optimization of merchandise planning tools, including assortment forecasting models, OTB frameworks, and seasonal financial planning solutions. Translate business requirements into functional tool design, working with internal teams and/or external system partners to ensure solutions are fit‑for‑purpose and scalable. Own the refinement of planning logic, data inputs, assumptions, and outputs to improve forecast accuracy, inventory productivity, and investment decisions. Act as the technical subject‑matter expert for planning tools and systems, ensuring consistency of use, data integrity, and clear governance. Merchandise Forecasting & Financial Planning Support the execution of the Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) process across categories and channels, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment to financial targets. Build and maintain seasonal and long‑range forecasts, aligning category‑level detail with top‑down financial targets in partnership with Finance. Produce and continuously improve hindsight reporting, scenario modelling, and performance analyses to inform future planning decisions. Support the establishment and tracking of key merchandise KPIs, including inventory turn, sell‑through, margin, and investment productivity. Process Refinement & Operational Excellence Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and manual workarounds in existing planning processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Support the standardisation of planning processes, calendars, and critical paths across categories and regions. Partner with Allocation, Product Operations, Procurement, and Finance to ensure planning outputs are operationally executable and aligned with lead times and supply constraints. Contribute to broader transformation initiatives by embedding new tools and ways of working into business‑as‑usual operations, partnering with Procurement, Supply Planning and Finance. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Support Support both Director of Merchandise planning and VP of inventory planning & Allocation to set up best in class reporting, critical path, etc. Provide analytical support and insights to senior leadership at key trading and planning milestones. Act as a bridge between strategic direction set by leadership and practical execution at team level. About You Advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, scenario modelling, pivots, dashboards, and structured templates. Highly analytical, technically strong merchandise planning leader who enjoys building, fixing, and improving planning tools and processes. Comfortable working in detail, handling complex datasets, and translating numbers into clear insights. Thrive in implementation‑heavy roles and are motivated by creating structure, clarity, and scalable solutions. Strong experience working with merchandise planning systems (e.g. financial planning, assortment planning, OTB tools). High level of comfort manipulating large datasets and validating data accuracy. Experience partnering with IT, Analytics, or external vendors on system implementation or enhancement. Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail analytics within premium or luxury retail. Strong understanding of r

Additional Information

Location: London Address: 17 St Anne's Court London, London, City of W1F 0BQ United Kingdom Job Title: Manager, Merchandise Planning and Optimization Canada Goose isn't like anything else. We've built something great, something special - an iconic brand with an inspirational and authentic story. At the heart of it is our promise to empower true exploration of all kinds. At Canada Goose, you're part of a movement that belongs to something bigger. One that seeks out the restorative power of nature and is driven by our purpose to embolden explorers and preserve the planet they roam. We endure any condition, observe every detail, and are building a community that believes in living bravely and coming together to support game-changing people. Here, opportunities are everywhere - to try something new, to learn, to do meaningful and impactful work, and they're yours for the taking. Position Overview: The Manager of Merchandise Planning and Optimization will report to the Director of Merchandise Planning and play a critical role in shaping and executing the merchandise planning strategy through strong technical expertise, system implementation and analytical rigor. This role will have an initial focus on the implementation, refinement, and optimization of planning tools and systems (including assortment forecasting, OTB planning, and financial planning frameworks), it will expand to support the broader product and inventory planning agenda, partnering cross‑functionally to execute the brand's long‑term growth strategy and ensure scalable, data‑driven decision making.

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