Merchandise Planner

Overview

The Merchandise Planner will be integral in advancing commercial outcomes by managing range planning, forecasting demand, purchasing, and in-season merchandising activities. This role involves collaborating closely with franchise teams and cross-functional departments to enhance sales, inventory levels, sell-through rates, and markdown efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with franchise markets to create seasonal Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans aligning merchandise tactics with financial goals and overall business strategies.
• Estimate demand and determine ordering quantities for specific categories using sales data, trend analyses, and market insights.
• Assist with pre-season initiatives such as launch schedules, product allocations, pricing for new seasons, range curation, and assortment planning.
• Design and refine product assortments tailored by market and category, ensuring timely and adequate product availability.
• Oversee product lifecycle performance, pinpointing possibilities for repeat orders, consolidation, stock adjustments, and markdown implementations.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with franchise associates and cross-functional teams to foster alignment and support business objectives.
• Analyze market-specific conditions, customer preferences, and competitors to exploit opportunities and optimize results.
• Utilize data analytics and technological tools to bolster planning accuracy, reporting quality, forecasting precision, and decision-making processes.
• Engage in projects related to system improvements, automation, analytics, and productivity enhancement.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Possess a degree in Business, Finance, Retail Management, Business Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Preferably at least two years of relevant professional experience; however, candidates without direct experience will also be considered.
• Basic understanding of merchandising, buying workflows, retail operations, and product lifecycle management.
• Excellent analytical capabilities with strong numerical competence and attention to detail, skilled at converting data into strategic insights.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential; familiarity with Power BI, SQL, SAP, or other data visualization and analytics platforms is advantageous.
• Comfortable employing AI and automation technologies to augment analysis, reporting, forecasting, and productivity.
• Effective planning, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities, adept at working collaboratively across diverse teams and cultures.
• Self-driven, flexible, and resilient; capable of performing in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Competent in crafting presentations and detailed reports.
• Avid interest in fashion, retail, and consumer patterns, combined with sharp product and commercial savvy.