Merchandise Planning Manager

Job Description

• Develop and drive merchandising and inventory strategies to achieve sales, margin, and stock productivity targets.

• Lead the merchandise planning process, including sales forecasting, OTB (Open-to-Buy), inventory planning, and assortment planning across categories.

• Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, product trends, and market conditions to identify risks and opportunities.

• Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Buying, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment between business objectives and inventory investments.

• Lead seasonal planning, budget preparation, and forecasting activities, providing recommendations to optimize business performance.

• Monitor inventory health and recommend actions to improve stock turnover, minimize markdowns, and maximize profitability.

• Prepare and present business reviews, planning reports, and strategic recommendations to senior management.

• Coach and develop the merchandise planning team to enhance analytical capabilities and planning effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Finance, or a related field.

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Demand Planning, Inventory Planning, or a related function within the retail industry, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.

• Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable business insights.

• Proven experience in sales forecasting, inventory management, financial planning, and assortment planning.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and planning/reporting tools.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.