Merchandise Planner

About UNIQLO

UNIQLO, part of the Fast Retailing Group, stands as a global leader in apparel retail, committed to delivering high-quality, innovative, and durable clothing that respects individual lifestyles, all at affordable prices.

Role Overview

The Merchandise Planner will identify sales trends and formulate strategic plans to meet financial objectives through layered action strategies. This position encompasses creating financial sales plans, gross margin targets, and sales forecasts for several departments, ensuring effective merchandise planning to boost sales, manage inventory, enhance profitability, and meet sell-through goals. Additionally, the role involves in-season financial forecasting and risk/opportunity analysis to optimize profit throughout the selling period.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create and implement seasonal sales, margin, and financial strategies for multiple departments that align with UNIQLO’s growth and strategic goals.
• Continuously monitor and analyze weekly business outcomes to identify trends and opportunities, updating forecasts and offering actionable insights to senior leadership and collaborators.
• Develop allocation, replenishment, and inventory distribution tactics to maximize sales, minimize stock shortages, and support promotional and markdown plans.
• Lead strategic assortment planning by selecting product items, colors, and sizes based on market research, customer insight, and seasonal themes.
• Collaborate as a principal contact with global headquarters, presenting data-driven product proposals aligned with market demands and organizational goals.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure product availability for sales maximization and sell-through achievement.
• Place and oversee orders for seasonal introductions and ongoing restocking with flexibility to adjust to business changes.
• Facilitate cross-departmental cooperation, including with Marketing and Store Operations, to execute initiatives driving sales, business objectives, and customer experience enhancements.

Candidate Requirements

• Preferably hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three years’ experience in merchandise buying within fashion retail, with additional retail or store planning experience considered advantageous.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is a valuable asset.
• Strong analytical capabilities and financial literacy for interpreting data, generating insights, and producing actionable reports.
• Thorough awareness of current fashion trends and the agility to respond to evolving consumer preferences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effective collaboration with internal teams and international stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel functionalities including pivot tables and complex data analysis.
• Self-driven, accountable, displaying initiative and ownership over responsibilities.
• Performance-oriented and thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments.
• Experience coordinating with teams across various global time zones.
• Willingness to travel to store locations to gain direct operational insights.
• Flexible work schedule with readiness for extended hours when necessary.

What This Role Offers

• A competitive remuneration package including salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for high-level engagement with global and regional leadership teams.
• Career advancement in a results-driven and innovative company culture valuing integrity and ambitious performance.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial workplace where individual decisions contribute significantly to business outcomes.
• Modern office facilities conveniently accessible by public transport.

Additional Information

This position’s salary ranges from $95,000 to $112,000 CAD annually, influenced by candidates’ experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.

UNIQLO Canada practices equal opportunity employment across all personal and demographic spectra.

Technological tools assisting recruitment screening may be used; however, all hiring decisions remain with the talent acquisition and hiring teams.

Only candidates closely matching the job criteria will be contacted following application review.