Merchandise Planning Assistant (FTC) Contract type: Fixed-term contract until the end of April 2027 Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office) Working hours per week: 40 hours • Full-time Level: Administrator Reports to: Merchandise Planner Application Closing Date: Wednesday 14th October About us Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we've recently launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague. We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, but it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and a champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service. About the team and the role The Merchandise Assistant will provide admin support to the Merchandise Planners and Merchandise Planning Manager. The Merchandise Planning team is responsible for optimising stock across the Ocado range. The Merchandise Assistant supports the team of Merchandise Planners by actively managing and maintaining data. This enables accurate forecasting and ordering stock as well as the prompt and precise payment of supplier invoices. What you’ll do Invoice Matching for a defined set of suppliers Delivery Conformance Monitoring • Communicating with suppliers by email and phone about short deliveries and failed deliveries. Identifying the impact of consistent shorts / failed deliveries on Sales Weighted Availability KPI and flag issues to Merchandise Planner / Merchandise Planning Manager Supplier ‘out of stock’ Management • Availability Tracking and managing non-orderable products through communicating with suppliers and managing availability statuses Updating supplier delivery schedules Maintaining product information such as descriptions, product life, barcodes, etc. Undertaking periodic data checks, such as costs, VAT, product life, etc. Setting up new suppliers and liaising with other departments on supplier setup Relisting and delisting existing lines Loading clearance promotions Organising purge and stock transfers with GMDC Ops Running regular reports, circulating results and taking consequent actions Liaising with warehouse operations teams resolving supplier non-conformance issues and dealing with supplier returns Ad hoc support as required by Merchandise Planners and Merchandise Planning Managers Who you are Previous Experience in an administrative role Experience in a Retail background Good IT skills with experience using Microsoft Office, in particular Excel Communication • Good written and verbal communication skills Attention to detail • Focus on accuracy and detail Ability and aptitude • Ability to pick up tasks and to quickly learn bespoke IT systems Time management • Good time management with the ability to work independently Team working • Proactive and collaborative approach to work with fellow Merchandise Planning Administrators and the wider Merchandise Planning team Flexible and adaptable • Willingness to get involved when needed in tasks outside of their normal remit What’s in it for you By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. You'll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future. If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer: Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more. Spend & Save: Recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office. Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities. Our Hiring Process Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process. Your Application and AI In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us. Everyone’s welcome We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.