Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
PHILIPPA LEACH

PHILIPPA LEACH

BECKENHAM,KENT

Summary

Highly accomplished Senior Merchandiser with 25+ years of experience, most recently in the Outlet division. Equipped with strong analytical skills and proven track record in maximising sales opportunities. Hard working, achieving company goals through exceptional organisation, planning and prioritisation.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work history

SENIOR MERCHANDISER - Outlets

MARKS & SPENCER
London - Waterside Head Office
06.2010 - 08.2025

- Latest role was managing Womenswear, Lingerie and Brands with an annual budget of +£100m (have also previously managed Menswear, Kidswear and Beauty)

- Led a team of 10 reports to create the plan and product strategy for delivering sales, stocks, profit and market share

- Set and owned the critical path to re-buy product for Outlet stores from booking through to delivery

- Accountable for overall analysis of previous best sellers to curate a market leading product proposition that delivers on customer needs, sales and profit

- Delivered business unit sign offs including lessons learnt and financial plans

- Embraced and exploit new systems, tools and processes to deliver efficiency

- Worked with numerous stakeholders across the business including space planning, allocation forecasting, logistics, planning, retail, sourcing offices

- Provided coaching and support to drive a high performance culture within the team

PLANNING MANAGER - Lingerie

MARKS AND SPENCER
LONDON - Waterside Head Office
06.2008 - 06.2010

- Worked with the Director of Lingerie to deliver the planning strategy to the departments

- Managed and coordinated processes by setting accurate timetables and critical performance metrics

- Improved internal processes for enhanced productivity through detailed organisational planning

- Established clear communication channels, promoting transparency and open dialogue within the team

ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER - various

MARKS AND SPENCER
London - Head Office
09.1998 - 06.2008

- Worked across various areas within Womenswear and Lingerie gaining experience in managing both core and seasonal departments

- Analysed sales data regularly, informing more accurate demand forecasting efforts

- Collaborated with the buying team to select high-demand items, increasing profitability.

- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate terms and resolve supply chain issues.

- Visited stores to assess product presentation and gather feedback.

- Assisted in range planning and product selection based on market demands.

SUPERVISOR

LITTLEWOODS
Croydon
12.1995 - 08.1998

Education

A-Levels - ENGLISH, FRENCH, SOCIOLOGY

COULSDON COLLEGE
COULSDON
09.1996 - 06.1998

Skills

- Strong Merchandising skills including developing a strategy and operating plan, production planning, stock and commitment management, GSM management, creating sales estimates

- Strong Knowledge of the end to end buy to store process

- Formulating and delivering a detailed plan from curating a compelling market leading product proposition through to sales floor

- Controlling unplanned in-season costs

- Negotiation skills (costings on re-bought product)

- Able to fully utilise relevant IT support systems, (SAP, MP, GMOR, JDA) and to be fully conversant with standard business desktop applications

- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills (of both internal and external stakeholders)

Affiliations

Travel, reading, Chelsea FC

Timeline

SENIOR MERCHANDISER - Outlets

MARKS & SPENCER
06.2010 - 08.2025

PLANNING MANAGER - Lingerie

MARKS AND SPENCER
06.2008 - 06.2010

ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER - various

MARKS AND SPENCER
09.1998 - 06.2008

A-Levels - ENGLISH, FRENCH, SOCIOLOGY

COULSDON COLLEGE
09.1996 - 06.1998

SUPERVISOR

LITTLEWOODS
12.1995 - 08.1998
PHILIPPA LEACH