Manager, Merchandise Planning Gap Franchise EMEA Pureplay

About the Role

In this role, you will be part of the Franchise Merchandise Planning team, bringing the financial strategy behind our product vision to life for Franchisees across EMEA and Pureplay. As Manager, Merchandise Planning, you and your team will drive the success of multiple divisions and product categories by executing wholesale and margin budgets, leveraging product performance analysis across key accounts.

You are passionate about using your qualitative and quantitative skillset in a corporate fashion retail environment and find joy in identifying global market nuances. You are curious, innovative, and focused on executing an amazing customer experience across the global while delivering/exceeding financial targets. Strong analytical and storytelling skills will serve you well, and a collaborative mindset is a must.

This position is based in London and requires regular commuting to the Gap Inc. office to collaborate with teams including Franchise Merchandising, Account Management & Planning, Product Operations, Business Analytics, Store Experience, Marketing, and the Gap Brand Omni Product and Planning teams.

What You'll Do

· Partner cross-functionally with Franchise Merchants and Account Planning to develop and communicate comprehensive financial strategies that align with product opportunities by division and department.

· Create and manage preseason strategies to drive wholesale, margin, and inventory that support product and business goals, incorporating market nuances.

· Analyze historical data and in-season performance to identify risks, opportunities, and trends by division and department, recommending actions to achieve financial targets.

· Present financial findings and action plans in Open-to-Buy meetings and cross-functional reviews, influencing seasonal investments and setting financial benchmarks at the partner level.

· Lead regular business presentation, sharing financial results, product learnings, and recommended actions with cross-functional partners and senior leadership.

· Collaborate with global peers to ensure consistency of strategy and tools, share best practices, and foster a results-oriented, innovative planning environment.

· Build strong partnerships with internal teams (Merchandising, Production, Distribution, Company Planning, etc) and external Franchisees, ensuring alignment and communication throughout the planning and buying process.

· Continuously evolve planning processes and tools to meet the needs of a dynamic retail environment and diverse Franchisee markets, driving efficiency and performance.

Who You Are

· Proficient in Excel, including data manipulation and advanced formulas; comfortable navigating planning systems and tools.

· Demonstrates strong business acumen and strategic agility, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

· Builds effective, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and time zones; believes in the power of teamwork and partnership.

· Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, able to assess complex situations, analyze data, and drive solutions with speed and creativity.

· Strong communicator, with excellent listening, written, and verbal skills; able to clearly present ideas and influence stakeholders.

· Thrives in a self-directed role, using initiative and resourcefulness to achieve goals and resolve issues independently.

· Ability to travel internationally on a regular basis as needed.

· Minimum of 5–7+ years of merchandise planning or buying experience, with a proven track record of delivering results.

· Experience managing direct reports, including coaching, development, and performance management.

· Wholesale or consulting experience is a plus, especially in cross-functional or client-facing environments.

R194738