Merchandiser, Made-to-Order Furniture

Role overview

This contract role sits within a made-to-order furniture business where every order can vary by finish, size, and configuration. The work is centered on turning complex product and sales data into reliable demand forecasts, while also balancing manufacturing constraints so the right items are made at the right time.

You will join a small, collaborative planning team for a 12-month maternity cover, reporting to the Head of Planning and working alongside a Planning Assistant. The position is based in the London head office three days per week, with two days working from home.

What you will do

You will take ownership of a made-to-order furniture category and use sales results, customer demand, and product insight to shape forecasting, launch planning, and capacity decisions.

The role also involves reviewing sales trends, product mix, and customer demand to help improve availability, reduce bottlenecks, and make better use of capacity.

In addition to day-to-day planning, you will partner with Product Development on new launches, prepare analysis for commercial decision-making, and share your findings with stakeholders across the business.

You will work closely with the Head of Planning to exchange insight and will also manage and support a Junior team member.

What the business is looking for

Suitable candidates will have experience as a Demand Planner, Merchandiser, or Merchandise Planner in a product-led environment. Experience from retail head office is welcome, but manufacturing, production planning, or supply chain backgrounds are also relevant.

Prior experience planning made-to-order products would be a plus, although it is not essential. The team is looking for someone who spots patterns easily, asks the right questions, and can turn large volumes of information into practical actions.

Because this category involves thousands of combinations, strong Excel ability, careful attention to detail, and comfort working with extensive data sets are essential.

Working style and reward

This is an opportunity to join a respected brand with a strong product range and a well-established role, allowing you to add value without needing to rebuild the process from scratch.

The contract offers hybrid working with three days in the office and two from home, along with flexible start and finish times around core hours. You will work with a supportive Head of Planning and a friendly team in a high-quality London office.

About the recruiting partner

The recruiting partner focuses on commercial and product-oriented head office roles across buying, merchandising, design, quality, ecommerce, marketing, supply chain, and related functions. With more than 10 years of recruitment experience in homeware, they aim to provide clear insight into the company, team, and hiring manager, along with honest interview feedback and end-to-end application support.

Pay and contract details

Compensation is dependent on experience. The position is a 12-month maternity cover contract with hybrid working and flexible start/finish times.