Merchandise Planner – Fashion Retail

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing merchandise and assortment plans that align with the brand strategy, maximize sales and profitability, and ensure optimal inventory levels across stores and online channels. This role combines analytical expertise with commercial awareness to drive business performance through effective planning and stock management.Key Responsibilities1. Merchandise & Assortment PlanningDevelop seasonal and annual merchandise plans by category, store, and channel in line with business objectives.Partner with Buyers and Brand Managers to build assortments that reflect brand identity, customer preferences, and market trends.Define product mix, pricing strategy, and depth per store cluster to achieve balanced stock distribution.2. Sales, Stock & Margin ManagementSet and manage sales, margin, and inventory targets for each category.Analyze weekly and monthly performance to identify risks, opportunities, and required actions.Monitor sell-through and initiate replenishment, markdowns, or promotions to optimize stock turns.Ensure timely allocation and replenishment of merchandise to stores and e-commerce.3. Forecasting & AnalysisForecast demand and stock requirements based on sales trends, seasonal peaks, and promotional plans.Prepare OTB (Open-to-Buy) plans to control inventory investment and maintain healthy stock levels.Provide post-season analysis and lessons learned to improve future planning cycles.4. Collaboration & CommunicationWork closely with Buying, Retail Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth product flow from purchase to sales floor.Partner with Finance on budgeting, margin analysis, and profitability tracking.Communicate key findings, reports, and recommendations to management regularly.5. Systems & ReportingUtilize planning tools and ERP systems to track inventory, sales, and margin data.Maintain accurate product and pricing information across systems.Develop dashboards and reports to support business decisions.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.Min 3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning within fashion or retail industry.Strong analytical and numerical skills with advanced Excel proficiency.Experience with ERP or planning systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar).Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.