Job Description

Merchandise Planning Manager - GMG - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Merchandise Planning Manager role at GMG in Dubai is responsible for driving financial and inventory performance across assigned brands and categories. This role focuses on markdown planning, open-to-buy management, inventory health, sell-through, and GMROII, ensuring optimal availability, profitability, and in-season execution aligned with overall business objectives.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying
Salary: 14000-18000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive financial merchandise plans by brand and category using analytics, customer insights, historical performance, and buying projections
• Define and manage pre-season and in-season financial planning including forecasting, open-to-buy management, and new store budget planning
• Plan and execute markdown strategies including Mid-Season Offers and End-of-Season Sales based on sell-through, inventory age, weeks of cover, and margin impact
• Prepare, analyze, and monitor brand and category MIS reports covering sales versus forecast, inventory levels, order parameters, events, and replenishment needs
• Drive strategic planning across key metrics including sales, stock levels, margins, OTB, forward cover, and overall financial performance
• Communicate approved plans clearly to buying teams and ensure effective in-season execution across stores and regions
• Conduct periodic performance reviews to maximize profitability and ensure target achievement
• Perform gap analysis to prevent stock-out situations and optimize availability
• Identify slow-moving and obsolete inventory, secure approvals for markdowns, and ensure timely liquidation
• Prepare variance analysis reports comparing budgeted versus actual sales and stock performance
• Monitor and track GMROII and sales density targets to enhance category profitability
• Ensure accurate and timely execution of sales and promotional activities aligned with the approved trade calendar

Ideal Profile

• Minimum four years of experience in merchandise planning, sales analytics, trade promotion analysis, or commercial finance
• Strong proficiency in ERP and promotion management systems such as SAP, S4, ECC, and POS platforms
• Solid understanding of pricing rules, markdown mechanics, and system validations
• Advanced data analysis skills using Excel and BI tools
• Experience creating dashboards, reports, and post-promotion performance reviews
• Strong financial acumen with understanding of budgets, accruals, claims, and promotional profitability
• Knowledge of promotion SOPs, audit requirements, and compliance standards
• Ability to manage end-to-end planning and promotion workflows in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail with strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Why Join Us

• Strategic role influencing profitability and inventory performance across major retail brands
• Exposure to large-scale, multi-category retail operations
• Collaborative environment with strong data-driven decision-making culture
• Career growth opportunities within a diversified regional organization

About the Company
GMG is a global wellbeing company operating across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics. With more than 120 international and home-grown brands across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG continues to invest in advanced merchandising, planning, and analytics capabilities to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Job Title Merchandise Planning Manager - GMG - Dubai, UAE
Merchandise Planning Manager - GMG - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Merchandise Planning Manager role at GMG in Dubai is responsible for driving financial and inventory performance across assigned brands and categories. This role focuses on markdown planning, open-to-buy management, inventory health, sell-through, and GMROII, ensuring optimal availability, profitability, and in-season execution aligned with overall business objectives.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying
Salary: 14000-18000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive financial merchandise plans by brand and category using analytics, customer insights, historical performance, and buying projections
• Define and manage pre-season and in-season financial planning including forecasting, open-to-buy management, and new store budget planning
• Plan and execute markdown strategies including Mid-Season Offers and End-of-Season Sales based on sell-through, inventory age, weeks of cover, and margin impact
• Prepare, analyze, and monitor brand and category MIS reports covering sales versus forecast, inventory levels, order parameters, events, and replenishment needs
• Drive strategic planning across key metrics including sales, stock levels, margins, OTB, forward cover, and overall financial performance
• Communicate approved plans clearly to buying teams and ensure effective in-season execution across stores and regions
• Conduct periodic performance reviews to maximize profitability and ensure target achievement
• Perform gap analysis to prevent stock-out situations and optimize availability
• Identify slow-moving and obsolete inventory, secure approvals for markdowns, and ensure timely liquidation
• Prepare variance analysis reports comparing budgeted versus actual sales and stock performance
• Monitor and track GMROII and sales density targets to enhance category profitability
• Ensure accurate and timely execution of sales and promotional activities aligned with the approved trade calendar

Ideal Profile

• Minimum four years of experience in merchandise planning, sales analytics, trade promotion analysis, or commercial finance
• Strong proficiency in ERP and promotion management systems such as SAP, S4, ECC, and POS platforms
• Solid understanding of pricing rules, markdown mechanics, and system validations
• Advanced data analysis skills using Excel and BI tools
• Experience creating dashboards, reports, and post-promotion performance reviews
• Strong financial acumen with understanding of budgets, accruals, claims, and promotional profitability
• Knowledge of promotion SOPs, audit requirements, and compliance standards
• Ability to manage end-to-end planning and promotion workflows in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail with strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Why Join Us

• Strategic role influencing profitability and inventory performance across major retail brands
• Exposure to large-scale, multi-category retail operations
• Collaborative environment with strong data-driven decision-making culture
• Career growth opportunities within a diversified regional organization

About the Company
GMG is a global wellbeing company operating across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics. With more than 120 international and home-grown brands across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG continues to invest in advanced merchandising, planning, and analytics capabilities to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 14000.00
Salary to 18000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required