Merchandise Planner

Al Tayer Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Al Tayer Group as a Merchandise Planner in Dubai. You will lead the merchandise planning efforts, ensuring optimal inventory management and maximizing sales performance. This role requires strategic thinking, effective communication, and a minimum of 2 years experience in retail planning. Be a key player in a diverse company with a rich portfolio of luxury brands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in planning functions.
• Experience within large-scale retail operations required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver category sales and gross margin performance.
• Manage financial plans with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor inventory levels and forecast needs.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Effective Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Tertiary Graduate

Job description

Merchandise Planner - Dubai

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

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

1. Delivering category sales, gross margin, and turnover performance to plan.
2. 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.
3. Monitoring overall inventory levels in collaboration with the Finance team to plan and forecast.
4. Identifying and evaluating sales and gross margin opportunities at the department level.
5. Managing shipments, logistical processing, and allocation functions.
6. Promoting a collaborative approach with key brand partners.
7. Driving decision-making and problem-solving related to merchandise issues at division and location levels.
8. Communicating with stores regarding product discontinuation, price changes, and brand/item focus.
9. Creating brand markups and retail prices.
10. Maintaining focus on key items, brands, and locations.
11. Monitoring and forecasting inventory levels at product and location levels.
12. Managing replenishment orders based on stock models and trends to optimize sales, profit, and inventory.
13. Responding quickly to slow and best-selling items to maximize sales and minimize risks.
14. Implementing markdown strategies and communicating with stakeholders.
15. Ensuring inventory targets, including stock turn, are met.

You are a tertiary graduate from any discipline, with at least 2 years of experience in planning functions within large-scale retail operations. You should be a strategic thinker with a methodical approach and effective communication skills across all organizational levels.

About The Company

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

The Group operates in automobile sales and service, luxury and lifestyle retail, perfumes and cosmetics distribution, engineering, and interiors contracting. Its portfolio includes brands such as Armani, Bvlgari, Banana Republic, Ford, Ferrari, Gucci, Gap, Harvey Nichols, and Maserati. The Group has over 180 stores across the Middle East and investments in real estate, contracting, supply chain management, manufacturing, and travel services.