Merchandise Planner

Job description / Role

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Merchandise Planning team, and be responsible for the division merchandise strategy through development of the division seasonal and yearly product and location sales plans, for forecasting and allocation of product, maximizing the productivity of inventory and maximizing sales and gross margin

Your typical duties will include (but not limited to) :-

* Delivering category sales, gross margin and turnover performance to plan.
* Working closely with Senior Planner, Division Planning Manager (DPM), Division Merchandise Manager (DMM), Business General Manager and Distribution partners to develop and manage financial plans
* Working with the Finance team to monitor overall inventory levels to plan and forecast.
* Identifying and evaluating sales and gross margin opportunities at the department level.
* Managing all aspects relating to the shipments, logistical processing and allocation function.
* Promoting a win-win approach with all key brand partner
* Driving decision-making and problem solving relating to merchandise issues at the division and location level.
* Compiling communication and coordinating with the stores regarding product discontinuation, price changes and brand/item focus
* Identifying and creating Brand Markups and Retail Prices
* Establishing and maintaining intensive key item, key brand/class, and key location focus.
* Monitoring and forecasting inventory levels at the relevant product and location level.
* Managing and reviewing Replenishment orders for the relevant products based on model stock and trends to achieve optimal sales, profit and inventory performance.
* Identifying slow and best sellers, responding quickly to maximize sales and minimize risks.
* Implementing the agreed markdown strategy and communicating to stakeholders.
* Ensuring all inventory targets are met, including stock turnover, terminal stock, and movements to sale outlets.
* Identifying inter-store transfer of stock and direct the distribution of goods to achieve store sales / stock turn / gross margin goals across areas of responsibility

Requirements

You are a tertiary graduate from any discipline, with at least 2 years of successfully implementing the planning functions of large-scale retail operations.

A strategic thinker, but also with a methodical thorough approach, you can communicate effectively across all levels within the organisation.

About the Company

Established in 1979, Al Tayer Group is a privately-held, diversified company with operations in 12 countries in the Middle East and beyond. With over 7,800 employees from 95 different nationalities, the Group has its headquarters in Dubai, UAE.

Al Tayer Group operates leading, quality-focused businesses in automobile sales and service, luxury and lifestyle retail, perfumes and cosmetics distribution, engineering as well as interiors contracting. The Groups portfolio includes several of the worlds leading brands such as Armani, Bvlgari, Banana Republic, Ford, Ferrari, Gucci, Gap, Harvey Nichols and Maserati. The Group operates over 180 stores across multiple markets in the Middle East. In addition, Al Tayer Group has investments in commercial real estate, contracting, supply chain management, precision tools manufacturing and travel agency services.