Objective:

This position is responsible for leading pre-season and in-season merchandise planning by forecasting sales, managing inventory levels, and supporting the achievement of sales and margin targets. The role plays a key part in building buying budgets, driving category performance, and ensuring alignment between planning, buying, and retail operations.

Key Responsibility:

Pre-Season Planning

• Prepare and approve seasonal commercial strategies for assigned categories.
• Lead the development and release of buying budgets (OTB) and oversee assortment planning.
• Monitor range building, pricing controls, and intake margins to support planned sales and margin targets.
• Supervise initial stock distribution and store-level allocations to ensure optimal merchandise mix.

In-Season Planning

• Reforecast sales and revise budgets based on in-season trends and performance.
• Monitor sales, identify underperforming areas, and implement corrective measures.
• Lead weekly trade meetings, conduct quarterly reviews, and deliver analytical presentations to management.
• Plan and execute discounting and markdown strategies aligned with inventory health.
• Oversee supply planning in coordination with supply chain and logistics teams.

Operational Planning & Coordination

• Track LFL (Like-for-Like) growth and budget achievement across departments.
• Manage store-level inventory and ensure the availability of core products at all times.
• Launch new product categories in alignment with seasonal plans and ensure timely replenishment.
• Conduct regular inter-store consolidations to optimize inventory and maximize sell-through.
• Coordinate with the retail and buying teams on weekly reports, performance reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Flag inventory-related concerns to the Planning Manager and Buying Head for timely resolution.
• Assist in preparing detailed buying budgets and assortment plans per department.

Desired Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in retail or merchandise planning, with a focus on sales forecasting, inventory management, and trend analysis.
• Proficient in ERP systems, MS Excel, and other Microsoft applications.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes including procurement, distribution, and logistics.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, or a related field is preferred.