Space Planning Manager - The Works : Job Details

Location

Hybrid: 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.

Why The Works?

10th Best Big Company to Work For 2024 - 'Best Companies'

We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.

The Works. It literally means everything. And whatever your story or background, we’re all about unlocking imagination and making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether you’re engaging with customers on the frontline or supporting our colleagues behind the scenes, your impact can be profound and far-reaching.

This is more than toys and books and art supplies. This is about inspiring people to read, learn, create and play. So, with the right passion, it all starts with you.

Become a Space Planning Manager

We’re looking for a Space Planning Manager to join our Merchandising team here at The Works! You’ll sit within our Supply Chain function and play a key part in our team structure.

Your Mission

• Own, define and develop approach to micro-space optimisation aligned to our range and merchandising strategy
• Manage a Space and Visual Merchandising team to build and maintain planograms and VM guidance, whilst always considering agreed objectives and guardrails
• Responsible for making sure the product proposition has robust merchandising plans to ensure right product right space right time
• Look to continuously improve how we use micro-space and merchandising capability to meet our business and customer needs, working with Retail and Buying team making sure it's fit for the future
• Work cross-functionally to make sure planograms and VM guidance are communicated on time to support quality execution
• Support and input into projects, tests, and trials that require a different approach to merchandising to support our changing business strategy and objectives
• Develop the macro space strategy with accountability for all space allocation and development of multiple space matrices, creating opportunities to drive category and store performance in like for like sales and margin
• Own the central store layout and adjacencies template to supports all major space interventions
• Key support to the Head of Merchandising in key business cross functional projects

Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart

• Excellent influencing, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to question and challenge where necessary
• Category management and store merchandising experience with an understanding of inventory and range review processes
• Desirable space planning software experience i.e. Spaceman, JDA space planning, Relex space planning or equivalent.
• Desirable experience using AutoCAD software
• Strong numerical skills and ability to analyse and interpret data and insights with recommendations
• Demonstrable experience of working in a fast paced trading environment
• Desirable comparable experience, with a proven track record, in either a Space Planning Manager role, or an experienced Visual Merchandiser/Space Planner looking for your next challenge
• Proven ability to lead a high performing team, develop, coach and navigate change
• Demonstrate delivery of results as an individual and as part of a team

Being a great leader

As a great leader with wonderful people skills, you'll create an environment that's more than just co-workers — it's a team.•Align Goals with Values: Ensure that your team’s goals are clearly connected to the company’s values and purpose. This helps colleagues see the bigger picture and understand how their work contributes to the overall mission.•Clear Communication: Ensure that your team understands the goals, expectations, and their roles. Regularly share updates, encourage open dialogue and have regular check-ins.•Role Model: Lead by example. Demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes you expect from your team, such as punctuality, responsibility, and being a brand ambassador.•Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly. Recognise achievements and address areas for improvement in a supportive and continuous growth manner.•Empower Your Team: Delegate tasks and trust your team to handle them. This builds confidence and promotes professional growth.•Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts promptly and fairly. Foster an environment where issues can be discussed openly and resolved amicably.•Empathy: Understand and consider the feelings and perspectives of your team members. This helps in building strong, supportive relationshipsAnd let's not forget about the most important part… your team's well-being and aspirations. You'll be their biggest supporter, cheering them on. You'll have amazing everyday conversations with your team, discussing everything from their performance to their wildest career aspirations.

Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’

• 25% Colleague Discount! - Plus, exclusive Double Discount days!
• MyWorks - Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more!
• Holiday – 33 days including bank holidays.
• Holiday Purchase - Purchase an additional 5 days
• Can-Do Academy - Grow your skills and career with instant access to further training and development in areas that interest you.
• Wagestream - Claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them – for when ‘life’ happens!
• Share Scheme - Unleash your inner Monopoly mogul and own a piece of The Works!
• 24/7 support for you and your family - Through our partnership with the Retail Trust who provide an Employee Assistance Programme and so much more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan – To support your everyday healthcare costs
• And loads more! – Long Service Awards, pension, life assurance, Cycle to Work and optional charity giving.

Our Purpose

To inspire reading. learning, creativity and play - making lives more fulfilled.

Our Values

We are Crafty | We are Caring | We are Can-do

We Listen. We Care

Each year, we run an anonymous colleague engagement survey. This is so important for us to hear your feedback and suggestions. We want to know what’s going great, and what needs a couple of twea