Planner - Retail Sector

The BFL Group is one of the world's leading off-price retailer of fashion and homeware. Based in United Arab Emirates, we serve over six markets across the Middle East and Europe.

Our journey started when our unique off-price business model – Brands for Less – was introduced to Lebanon in 1996. Four years later, in the year 2000, we had a home in the UAE.

Our goal is to delight customers and entice them back with the promise of exceptional pieces that excite – all at up to 80% off the original retail price for fashion designer brands. Our unique Treasure Hunt model ensures there is always something new to explore, desire and discover within our stores. Our customers walk out with new items every time they visit any of our stores.

As Brands For Less, driven by optimized rapid-purchase strategies, became a phenomenon across the Middle East, we expanded to engage new audiences. We acquired exclusive rights to the Tchibo franchise in the MENA region, selling the German brand's homeware and apparel at very competitive prices associated with premium customer care environment. Our UAE presence evolved into our central operational hub from where we distribute rapidly to other markets.

While we are proud of the customer trust, support and loyalty we have achieved, we never take it for granted and are always looking at new ways to delight. We have launched our Toys For Less concept that extends our off-price retail model to toys, kids apparel and party costumes. We have also recently acquired franchise rights for Korean brand MUMUSO that we have taken to Lebanon, Malta and Spain. We have also acquired the franchise rights of the Spanish home concept brand Muy Mucho for UAE, KSA and Malta.

We take our reputation as pioneers in the Middle East's value sector seriously, and furnish it daily both at strategic and tactical levels. Through it all, our primary objective remains customer satisfaction generated by unlocking great experiences at spectacular value. We continue to expand our product range in line with our customer-centric principles, making sure that store visitors benefit from a rich, all-in-one experience where surprise and delight is always around the corner. Our latest push is towards making the Brands For Less more inclusive for customers worldwide by taking our e-commerce experience to new audiences.

Job Description

Role Purpose:

The Senior Planner is responsible for initiating analysis and developing strategy for a rapidly growing the retail business. He/ she is liable to work with buying, logistics, IT & Accounts teams and stores to analyse business to maximize sales and stock opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor OTB & provide updates on a weekly basis to buying team & management on changes required based on Sale Trends & goods coming in.
• Monitor seasonal trends, peaks & troughs such as XMAS, BTS, EID, SUPER SALE etc & advise on inventory cover, fast tracking orders & movement of inventory between online & retail.

• Provide weekly updates on variety available in terms of Brands & Sub Categories within each division across shops, in transits & HO stock.
• Coordinate with inventory team in ensuring we have sufficient inventory cover in the WH to replenish stores on a day-to-day basis. Liaise with Junior planner to get correct status updates on all in transits.
• Monitor online product supply & ensure the agreed QTY is passed on to ECOM. Also suggest movement of inventory between Online & Retail.
• Review store profiling on a quarterly basis & advise on changes required based on ASP, Sales Density, Flip & Other key KPI's such as conversion, Shopper Yield, ATV & UPT.
• Identify aged inventory across the business. Ensure monthly slashing process is executed effectively across all shops. Review slashing list on a monthly basis to identify anomalies. Coordinate with buyers & category managers to highlight slow selling groups or SKUs to prevent them from coming into the business again.
• Publish territory level dashboards on Sales & inventory on a weekly basis.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree.

5+ years plus of work experience as a planner / retail analyst, preferably in the apparel / footwear industry.

Knowledge on BI tools such as Power BI, Tableau would be an added advantage.

• Expert in MS Excel & moderate knowledge in other MS Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills. Written and verbal, with the ability to clearly communicate and express oneself.
• Should be a Strong Team player with ability to multi-task & work under pressure to meet deadlines with minimum supervision.
• Organizing skills with the ability to prioritize work and exercise independent judgment, wisdom, common sense and initiative.
• Strong Team player with ability to multi-task & work under pressure to meet deadlines with minimum supervision.