Michael Bishop
About Michael Bishop
Michael Bishop is a Commercial & Merchandise Planner at Signet Jewelers, where he has worked since 2007 after holding various roles within the company since 1987. He studied Mechanical and Electronic Engineering at Newtownabbey Technical College and has extensive experience in sales planning and inventory management.
Work at Signet Jewelers
Michael Bishop has a long tenure at Signet Jewelers, beginning his career in retail management from 1987 to 1998 for 11 years. He then served as a Product Co-ordinator from 1998 to 2000 for 2 years, followed by a role as Product Co-ordination Supervisor from 2000 to 2004 for 4 years. Since 2007, he has held the position of Commercial & Merchandise Planner for 17 years. In this role, he manages the planning critical path to ensure alignment between Finance, B&M, and Planning departments throughout the year.
Education and Expertise
Michael Bishop studied Mechanical and Electronic Engineering at Newtownabbey Technical College, where he achieved a Higher National Diploma (HND) from 1985 to 1987 for 2 years. He also attended Belfast High School from 1980 to 1985 for 5 years. His educational background supports his expertise in planning and merchandise management within the retail sector.
Responsibilities and Functions
In his current role as Commercial & Merchandise Planner, Michael is responsible for setting up and managing the Annual Sales Plans and Territory Sales & Discount Phasing for Ernest Jones. He oversees the WSSI roll, consolidation, and reporting to the Commercial Planning Controller and Director of Merchandise. Additionally, he monitors and reports on inventory levels, including intake, closing, and RTV, and generates daily sales phasing forecasts by analyzing historic sales, promotions, and events affecting trade.
Career Progression
Michael Bishop's career at Signet Jewelers reflects significant progression through various roles. Starting in retail management, he transitioned to product coordination roles, ultimately becoming a Commercial & Merchandise Planner. His experience spans over three decades in the jewelry retail industry, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in merchandise planning and sales forecasting.