Associate Merchandise Planner

Job description / Role

Associate Merchandise Planner - Level Shoes

Who we are

We are a leading partner for luxury across the Middle East. With more than 600 stores, 300 brands and over 65 years of experience in the region, we have become a major player in the beauty, fashion and gift sectors, by offering service excellence to our partners and delighting all our customers. We are moving fast from a traditional distributor and retailer for luxury in the Middle East, to a hybrid retailer bringing luxury experiences to the fingertips of customers everywhere.

To fuel the next stage of our growth we are looking to build a world class team. From physical retail through to supply chain and customer loyalty, we aim to use technology and data to continuously improve every aspect of our operations. We are looking for top talent to join us on this journey of exploring new horizons together.

What you will be doing

The Merchandise Planner will use a data-driven approach to optimise sales, margin and inventory in an omnichannel environment. They will forecast future seasonal demand at category - subcategory level for each region, maximise sell-thru in-season by collaborating with key stakeholders: Commercial, Finance, E-commerce and Buying. Responsible to lead the OTB working in collaboration with commercial, Finance, E-commerce as well as other roles within Supply Chain.

Core Responsibilities

- Define the sales plan and OTB by partnering with Buying, Finance, Retail, and E-commerce business to develop the merchandise strategy, using data-driven input from sales trends, market conditions and supplier demands to drive profitable decision making.
- Monitor Inventory Ageing and recommend actions on markdowns and liquidation to achieve inventory targets considering Category and Brand identity.
- Drive pricing strategy and plan seasonal markdowns by item to maximise sales and gross margin in collaboration with Buying and Retail.
- Assess and highlight risks and opportunities on sales, gross margin and inventory, based on supply or demand gaps, recommending possible solutions.
- Re-plan business in-season based on latest performance and present it to management with recommendations
- Develop and provide buying with category assortment recommendations plans by Channel / Region / Store which are aligned with the merchandise strategy and proactively suggest improvements to optimise revenue and profitability through what if Scenarios.
- Monitor inventory mix in each location and recommend seasonal stock transfers, if needed, in order to boost sales.

Requirements

What you'll need to succeed

- Analytical Thinking
- Being Inclusive
- Collaborating & Influencing with Respect & Trust
- Communicating effectively
- Demonstrating Customer Centricity
- Demonstrating Personal Resilience & Adapting to Change
- Driving Results
- Inventory Management - GCF
- Merchandising
- Planning, forecasting and budgeting
- Price Management
- Supply Planning
- Understanding & Developing Self

What we can offer you

With us, you will turn your aspirations into reality. We will help shape your journey through enriching experiences, learning and development opportunities and exposure to different assignments within your role or through internal mobility. Our Group offers diverse career paths for those who are extraordinary, every day.

We recognise the value that you bring, and we strive to provide a competitive benefits package which includes health care, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies as well as exclusive employee discounts.

About the Company

The Chalhoub Group is the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East since 1955. As an expert in retail, distribution and marketing services based in Dubai, the group has become a major player in the fashion, beauty and gift sectors regionally.

By blending its Middle East expertise and intimate knowledge of luxury, Chalhoub Group is building brands in the region, by offering service excellence to all its partners and a unique experience to its customers through its passionate teams.

With a growing workforce of more than 9,000 people, implemented in 14 countries, as well as the operating of over 470 retail outlets, the group's success is attributed to its most valued asset of highly skilled and dedicated teams. Professionalism and passion are what fuel the Chalhoub Group's competitive edge in today's market.

By being committed to implementing sustainable practices into their business, the Chalhoub Group has been awarded in 2013 the CSR Label from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.