We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Merchandise Retail Planner to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our business merchandise strategy by developing seasonal and yearly product and location sales plans. The Merchandise Retail Planner will be responsible for forecasting, allocation of products, and maximizing the productivity of inventory to achieve optimal sales and gross margin.

Responsibilities

• Maintain OTB to manage forward buys in-line with department inventory targets
• Assist in decision making and problem solving on supplier/brand/partner issue
• Manage all aspects relating to the shipments, logistical processing and allocation function
• Deliver category sales, gross margin and turnover performance to plan
• Ensure products moves efficiently through the supply chain
• Work with the Finance team to monitor overall inventory levels to plan and forecast
• Partner with Merchandise Assistants to implement consistent and profitable in-season replenishment strategies and practices, ensure right stock, right quantities, right stores, right time at the right place.
• Ensure timely replenishment of store from the warehouse & manage the min max levels of the department products
• Identify and evaluate sales and gross margin opportunities at the department level
• Work closely with Head of Planning, Commercial Manager and Distribution partners to develop and manage financial plans
• Ensure efficiency and effectiveness of merchandising business processes
• Compile communication and coordinate with the stores regarding product discontinuation, price changes and brand focus
• Monitor and forecast inventory levels at the relevant product and location level
• Manage and review Replenishment orders for the relevant products based on model stock and trends to achieve optimal sales, profit and inventory performance
• Identify slow and best sellers, respond quickly to maximize sales and minimize risks
• Implement the agreed markdown strategy and communicate to stakeholders
• Ensure all inventory targets are met, including stock turnover, terminal stock, and movements to sale outlets
• Identify inter-store transfer of stock and direct the distribution of good to achieve store sales/stock turn/gross margin goals across areas of responsibility
• Responsible for accurate and timely completion of OTB at the relevant product level
• Provide on-going feedback and information to team members on sales results, competitive practices, and delivery issues with vendors, and other specific information which could impact the performance of the business
• Develop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc. to support the needs of the business

Skills

Qualifications

• Graduate or Post Graduate Degree
• 3-5 years’ experience in a relevant field with successfully implementing Planning function
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proficient in MS Office
• Strong analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of the industry
• Ability to lead, develop and motivate teams