Merchandise Planner - Retail Planning

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Retail is hiring a Merchandise Planner in Dubai to support buying and operational teams through demand forecasting, inventory management, assortment planning, and sales analysis. The role focuses on maintaining optimal product availability across locations while leveraging trends and market insights to boost revenue and profitability.

The ideal candidate has proven merchandising experience and strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and MS Office Suite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.
• Proven experience in merchandising, retail, or related role.
• Experience in toys or consumer goods is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts for key product categories.
• Incorporate historical sales, seasonal demand, promotions, and market trends into forecasting.
• Analyse sales history and market information to develop accurate demand models.
• Monitor inventory across locations to maintain stock levels.
• Coordinate corrective actions with Supply Chain for overstock/stockouts.
• Communicate inventory challenges and stock requirements to stakeholders.
• Support assortment decisions using customer, sales, and market insights.
• Plan new product introductions and phase-outs.
• Analyze product/category performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Provide actionable insights to senior management and Buying team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

MS Excel

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative

Creative problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

MS Office Suite

Job description

Merchandise Planner - Retail Planning Job Snapshot

Role: Merchandise Planner Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Retail Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying Experience: Proven experience in merchandising, retail, or related roles Job Type: Full-time

Al-Futtaim Retail is hiring a Merchandise Planner in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to support buying and operational teams through demand forecasting, inventory management, assortment planning, sales analysis, and financial planning. The role focuses on maintaining the right product availability across locations and channels while using sales trends, customer preferences, promotional activity, and market insights to support revenue, margin, and profitability objectives.

Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Retail Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Full-time

Experience within toys or consumer goods is preferred.

Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts for key product categories.
• Incorporate historical sales, seasonal demand, promotions, special events, and relevant market trends into forecasting.
• Analyse sales history and market information to develop accurate demand models.
• Monitor inventory across multiple locations to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Identify potential overstock and stockout situations and coordinate corrective actions with Supply Chain.
• Communicate inventory challenges and stock requirements to relevant stakeholders.

Assortment Planning

• Support assortment decisions using customer, sales, and market insights.
• Plan new product introductions in coordination with relevant teams.
• Manage the planned phase-out of discontinued products.
• Support effective use of available shelf space and inventory.
• Identify assortment opportunities that can contribute to stronger sales performance.

Sales Analysis and Performance Reporting

• Regularly analyse product and category performance.
• Identify opportunities for sales growth and highlight underperforming SKUs.
• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and relevant competitor activity.
• Convert sales and inventory data into actionable commercial insights.
• Provide findings to senior management and the Buying team.
• Prepare reports covering sales forecasts, inventory turns, stock aging, and other key business measures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Product planning requires close coordination across several business functions. The Merchandise Planner will work with Marketing, Merchandising, and Supply Chain teams to keep product launches aligned with promotional calendars and agreed schedules. The role will also support Store Operations in maintaining appropriate product placement and inventory allocation across physical stores and the Marketplace.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Support the Merchandise Planning Manager with annual and seasonal budgets for assigned categories.
• Monitor in-season financial performance.
• Track performance against sales, margin, and profitability objectives.
• Use current trading results to support planning and inventory decisions.
• Communicate relevant performance trends to management and other stakeholders.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical capability for interpreting sales data and market trends.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and data analysis tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in forecasting and planning.
• Good organizational and multitasking capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to changing market conditions.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Bachelor 's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.
• Proven experience in merchandising, retail, or a related role.
• Experience in the toys or consumer goods industry is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and software.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret product performance and translate findings into practical planning actions.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail is part of Al-Futtaim and operates across MENA and Southeast Asia through partnerships with international brands including IKEA, ACE, Marks and Spencer, and the Inditex Group. Its retail portfolio also includes brands such as Watsons and Kiabi, while the business invests in digital innovation, AI capabilities, customer experience, and loyalty platforms.