Chalhoub Group Looking for Merchandise Demand Planner at United Arab Emirates Full Time

The Demand and Merchandising Planner will use a product-driven approach to optimize sales, margin and inventory in an omnichannel environment. The role will forecast future seasonal demand at category – subcategory level for each region, as well as NOOS and basic lines to maximize sales, collaborating with key stakeholders.
The Role will also be responsible to lead the OTB working in collaboration with commercial, Retail, Finance, Ecommerce as well as other roles within Supply Chain.
To succeed in this role, you should be professional, highly analytical, strategic, and possess excellent communication skills. The successful candidate should also have an in-depth knowledge of advanced merchandising and forecasting practices.
Key Responsibilities

• Define the sales plan and OTB by partnering with Buying, Finance, Retail, and Ecommerce business to develop the local merchandise strategy, using input from sales trends, modeling techniques, market conditions, and supplier direction to drive profitable decision-making.
• Monitor Inventory Aging 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 maximize 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 optimize revenue and profitability
• Monitor inventory mix in each location and recommend seasonal stock transfers, if needed, to boost sales.
• Own the Continuity (NOOS) Product demand forecasting through scenario building and continuous monitoring and improvement of sales velocity planning models
• Customize merchandise strategy adjusted for local market needs in collaboration with Buying and Suppliers through execution of proper phase-in/out, and category/family mix adjustments
• Optimize & execute reporting to foster clear understanding and tailored communication of business performance amongst all internal and external stakeholders

Typical KPI for this function:

• Forecast accuracy, Forecast Bias, MAPE
• Quality of the stock mix
• Aging of the stock
• Net Working Capital
• Range efficiency
• Full Price Sell Through
• Full Price Gross Margin

What you’ll need to succeed
Your Profile:

• Preferably graduated with a Bachelor degree in Science, Engineering, Business, Fashion Merchandising
• 3+ years of experience in Demand Planning in Fashion Retail or luxury industry
• Proven track record of CPI (Continuing Process Improvement)
• Highly analytical and data-driven working comfortably with quantitative figures
• Advanced knowledge of excel and MS office and planning tools
• Experience in of forecasting, merchandise planning, allocation, replenishment and financial planning processes and systems
• Commercially minded problem-solver with proven track-record of delivering financial targets
• Strong stakeholder management, aiming for win-win solution
• Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Knowledge of retail & fashion business
• Communicate with candour and value open debate to ensure the best ideas come to life, collaborating with stakeholders
• Self-starter enthusiastic and pragmatic

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 employeediscounts. To view all our perks and benefits,
We Invite All Applicants to Apply
It Takes Diversity Of Thought, Culture, Background, Differing Abilities and Perspectives to truly Inspire, Exhilarate and Delight our customers. At Chalhoub Group, we are committed to inclusion and diversity.
We welcome all applicants to apply and be part of our exciting future. We ensure equal opportunity for all our applicants without regard to gender, age, race, religion, national origin or disability status.