Senior Merchandise Planner

Role Overview

The Senior Merchandise Planner will spearhead category sales growth, maximize profitability, and optimize inventory efficiency across the region and its individual markets. Ensuring that regional merchandise and pricing strategies conform with global brand standards is crucial. This role requires collaboration with multiple internal teams and franchise partners to identify challenges, develop solutions, and execute local strategies seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze data from both online and offline markets to deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing market performance.
• Maintain comprehensive accuracy in data streams from all markets.
• Work alongside internal Business Intelligence teams to develop PowerBI dashboards that empower strategic planning.
• Develop strategic presentation materials and pitch proposals to key stakeholders to obtain alignment and approval.
• Oversee Country Open-To-Buy budgeting with rolling plans; manage category sales forecasts and ensure inventory flow aligns with retail objectives.
• Drive seasonal purchasing with a focus on achieving sell-through targets, forecasting SKU-level purchases by examining historical sales and industry trends.
• Ensure collection plans adhere to brand and visual standards; collaborate across Operations, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising to optimize store merchandise assortments and maintain brand integrity.
• Review and implement pricing strategies targeted at meeting profitability goals.
• Coordinate with Franchisees on product launches, reorder cycles, markdown strategies, and stock management to govern the product lifecycle effectively.
• Proactively manage inventory risks by monitoring stock levels in alignment with the seasonal calendar.
• Conduct in-depth research on consumers, products, and competitors to stay updated on global fashion industry developments.
• Lead or contribute to departmental initiatives aimed at enhancing system efficiency and merchandising processes.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or related fields.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a relevant merchandise planning or retail category management role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel.
• Experience with Power BI is advantageous.
• Strong passion for fashion and retail industry dynamics.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask in fast-paced settings.
• Ability to analyze complex challenges and collaborate with business partners to execute effective solutions.
• Superior interpersonal communication capabilities.