Job Description

Job Category: Planning
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Objective:
This position is responsible for supporting merchandise planning through accurate forecasting, effective inventory control, and strategic assortment planning. The role ensures optimized stock availability, improved sell-through, and achievement of sales and margin targets in alignment with business goals.
Key Responsibilities:

• Build and analyze the P&L framework to support annual sales budget planning and profitability at the store level.
• Monitor weekly budget performance and like-for-like (LFL) growth for assigned departments; drive store teams to meet daily targets by responding to market demand changes
• Manage inventory levels across stores and ensure stock availability aligns with planned sales and seasonal requirements
• Conduct critical path analysis for seasonal stock launches, flag delays, and adjust stock covers based on real-time demand
• Ensure optimal first-price sell-through and achieved margin targets for assigned departments each season
• Manage and monitor Open-to-Buy (OTB) and inventory flows in line with sales forecasts
• Plan product assortments in accordance with OTB and business needs to maximize sell-through and profitability
• Maintain the right merchandise mix in stores based on guidelines and planned coverage
• Track Never-Out-of-Stock (NOS) items and maintain optimum levels in advance of seasonal peaks
• Coordinate product launches and ensure timely replenishment of new categories and high-performing SKUs
• Execute weekly inter-store transfers to optimize inventory allocation and minimize lost sales opportunities
• Liaise regularly with operations, buying, logistics, finance, and marketing teams to align planning efforts with overall business goals
• Monitor the business tracker for sales versus budgets, stock inflow, and replenishment using tools like WSSI (Weekly Stock Sales & Intake)
• Lead discussions on ageing inventory and recommend markdowns or promotions to ensure freshness and stock hygiene; execute markdowns in a phased approach to protect margins
• Conduct periodic market visits to analyze competitor strategies, customer preferences, and pricing behaviors
• Participate in regular business review meetings with brand principals to align planning with market conditions and brand directives
• Develop and roll out incentive plans for store teams to drive sales motivation and frontline performance

Desired Experience:

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in planning or planning management roles within the retail industry.
• Demonstrated growth in responsibility and leadership across previous roles.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams to drive planning outcomes.
• Skilled in mentoring and developing talent within planning or related departments.

Skills Required