Job Description

Merchandise Planner - Apparel Group - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
Apparel Group Dubai is seeking a skilled and analytical Merchandise Planner to manage pre-season and in-season merchandise planning, ensuring accurate sales forecasting, optimized inventory levels, and effective category performance. The role focuses on developing buying budgets, driving margin improvement, and supporting collaboration between planning, buying, and retail operations to maximize sell-through and profitability.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandising / Planning
Salary: 12000-16000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute pre-season and in-season merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
• Build and release seasonal buying budgets (OTB) while ensuring optimal stock levels and margin alignment.
• Monitor category performance through data-driven analysis, identifying opportunities and risks.
• Forecast sales and inventory requirements to maintain a healthy sell-through rate.
• Collaborate with buyers and retail teams to align assortment planning with sales and customer demand trends.
• Review range building, pricing strategy, and intake margins to ensure profitability.
• Supervise initial stock allocations and ongoing replenishments to achieve ideal product availability.
• Conduct weekly and quarterly business reviews to assess sales, stock health, and markdown efficiency.
• Plan and implement discount strategies to manage slow-moving inventory while protecting margins.
• Coordinate with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely product flow and restocking.
• Track Like-for-Like (LFL) sales growth and support the delivery of budgeted financial targets.
• Provide detailed reports, performance insights, and recommendations to management for strategic decision-making.
• Ensure inter-departmental alignment between buying, operations, and retail planning functions.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, retail buying, or sales forecasting within the fashion or FMCG sector.
• Strong analytical and numerical abilities with advanced Excel skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and retail planning software.
• Proven track record in managing OTB, assortment, and pricing strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of consumer buying behavior.

Skills Set

• Merchandise planning and OTB management
• Sales forecasting and financial analysis
• Stock optimization and allocation planning
• ERP and data analytics tools
• Trend and performance reporting

Why Join Us

• Be part of one of the UAE's largest retail conglomerates managing global fashion and lifestyle brands.
• Gain exposure to strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration at a group level.
• Competitive compensation, training, and clear career advancement opportunities.
• Play a key role in shaping category growth and profitability across multiple retail concepts.

About the Company
Apparel Group is a leading global retail and lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Representing over 85 international and home-grown brands, the company operates 2,100+ stores across 14 countries and employs more than 20,000 people. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer experience, Apparel Group continues to redefine the regional retail landscape through its diverse portfolio and forward-thinking strategy.
Job Title Merchandise Planner - Apparel Group - Dubai, UAE
Merchandise Planner - Apparel Group - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
Apparel Group Dubai is seeking a skilled and analytical Merchandise Planner to manage pre-season and in-season merchandise planning, ensuring accurate sales forecasting, optimized inventory levels, and effective category performance. The role focuses on developing buying budgets, driving margin improvement, and supporting collaboration between planning, buying, and retail operations to maximize sell-through and profitability.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandising / Planning
Salary: 12000-16000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute pre-season and in-season merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
• Build and release seasonal buying budgets (OTB) while ensuring optimal stock levels and margin alignment.
• Monitor category performance through data-driven analysis, identifying opportunities and risks.
• Forecast sales and inventory requirements to maintain a healthy sell-through rate.
• Collaborate with buyers and retail teams to align assortment planning with sales and customer demand trends.
• Review range building, pricing strategy, and intake margins to ensure profitability.
• Supervise initial stock allocations and ongoing replenishments to achieve ideal product availability.
• Conduct weekly and quarterly business reviews to assess sales, stock health, and markdown efficiency.
• Plan and implement discount strategies to manage slow-moving inventory while protecting margins.
• Coordinate with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely product flow and restocking.
• Track Like-for-Like (LFL) sales growth and support the delivery of budgeted financial targets.
• Provide detailed reports, performance insights, and recommendations to management for strategic decision-making.
• Ensure inter-departmental alignment between buying, operations, and retail planning functions.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, retail buying, or sales forecasting within the fashion or FMCG sector.
• Strong analytical and numerical abilities with advanced Excel skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and retail planning software.
• Proven track record in managing OTB, assortment, and pricing strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of consumer buying behavior.

Skills Set

• Merchandise planning and OTB management
• Sales forecasting and financial analysis
• Stock optimization and allocation planning
• ERP and data analytics tools
• Trend and performance reporting

Why Join Us

• Be part of one of the UAE's largest retail conglomerates managing global fashion and lifestyle brands.
• Gain exposure to strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration at a group level.
• Competitive compensation, training, and clear career advancement opportunities.
• Play a key role in shaping category growth and profitability across multiple retail concepts.

About the Company
Apparel Group is a leading global retail and lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Representing over 85 international and home-grown brands, the company operates 2,100+ stores across 14 countries and employs more than 20,000 people. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer experience, Apparel Group continues to redefine the regional retail landscape through its diverse portfolio and forward-thinking strategy.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 12000.00
Salary to 16000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required