Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving accurate SKU-level demand forecasting, efficient stock allocation, and end-to-end supply planning to support sales performance across GCC and international markets. The role focuses on maximizing stock availability, improving forecast accuracy, and ensuring optimal inventory flow aligned with customer demand and business objectives.
Forecasting & Inventory Planning
- Develop accurate SKU-level demand forecasts using historical sales data, trends, and market insights.
- Continuously review forecast performance, identify bias, and implement corrective actions.
- Plan and manage best-seller repeat orders, ensuring timely and accurate inputs into planning cycles.
Allocation & Stock Flow Management
- Allocate inventory to markets and stores based on sell-through, performance data, and stock efficiency.
- Validate stock allocations to ensure the right products reach the right locations at the right time.
- Review item status regularly and update lifecycle stages (new launch, core, markdown, end-of-life).
Order & Supply Coordination
- Own end-to-end sales-supporting supply planning accountability.
- Support acceptance of new orders in line with forecast accuracy and Open-to-Buy (OTB) targets.
- Coordinate resupply activities across GCC markets in collaboration with Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
Market & Product Insights
- Provide market-driven insights and demand trends to Product Development (PD) and Commercial Managers (CM).
- Support future collection planning through data-backed demand inputs and customer behavior analysis.
Analytics & Reporting
- Prepare and share demand-related reports with Commercial and Master Inventory Planning teams.
- Analyze sales performance and provide structured feedback to Sales and Marketing teams on promotions and marketing activations.
- Track demand fulfillment, stock efficiency, and forecast accuracy to support data-driven decision-making.
Education:
- 46 years of experience in Demand Planning, Replenishment Planning, or Inventory Planning within Luxury Fashion or Fashion Retail.
Knowledge & Experience:
- Strong background in best-seller planning, replenishment, and resupply management.
- Experience working with GCC and/or international markets.
- Hands-on experience collaborating with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Product teams.
- Exposure to new product launches, carry-over styles, and seasonal collections in a luxury environment.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and forecasting skills with high attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret sales trends, sell-through, and demand signals in a luxury context.
- Excellent Excel skills and experience with demand planning systems
