Merchandiser - Merchandise Planning

Apparel Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 100,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group seeks a Merchandiser - Merchandise Planning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to support product planning, assortment development, stock allocation, forecasting, and performance across stores in the region. You will work with the Brand Manager and merchandising team to balance collections and ensure timely replenishment.

The role focuses on pre-season planning, in-season forecasting, and inventory control to meet financial objectives while maintaining optimal stock turns.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in retail merchandising or a similar fashion/lifestyle role.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, range development, vendor coordination, and trend analysis.
• Experience working with inventory management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze sales, inventory, and merchandise performance data.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Operations, Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing merchandise plans by category using historical trends, sales performance, and brand guidance.
• Analyze store profiles using stock weeks, sales blend, and inventory reports to support allocation decisions.
• Plan merchandise mix and execute initial allocations based on approved pre-distribution plans.
• Manage reserve stock to support ongoing store requirements and replenishments.
• Coordinate replenishments and inter-store transfers according to sales performance and inventory needs.
• Finalise seasonal assortment plans and size run books with the Senior Merchandiser.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Excel

PowerPoint

Inventory analysis

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Operations, Merchandising, or a related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Merchandiser - Merchandise Planning Job Snapshot Role: Merchandiser - Merchandise Planning Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Apparel and Fashion Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying Experience: 2-5 years Job Type: Not specified

Position Overview Apparel Group is hiring a Merchandiser - Merchandise Planning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to support product planning, assortment development, stock allocation, forecasting, and merchandise performance across stores in the region. The role works closely with the Brand Manager and merchandising team to maintain balanced collections, improve inventory productivity, support financial planning, and ensure timely replenishment and stock movement throughout the season.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Industry: Apparel and Fashion

Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Not specified

Objective

Objective The position supports the Brand Manager in developing product and assortment strategies designed to meet financial objectives. It coordinates merchandise allocation and delivery across stores while contributing to pre-season planning, in-season forecasting, open-to-buy management, and budgeting for new store openings. The role also helps maintain a balanced merchandise collection at store level through effective allocation, replenishment, reserve management, and inter-store transfers.

Merchandise Planning and Allocation

• Assist in developing merchandise plans by category using historical trends, sales performance, and future outlooks provided by the brand team.
• Analyze store profiles using stock weeks, sales blend, inventory grades, and other relevant reports to support allocation decisions.
• Plan the merchandise mix and execute initial allocations based on approved pre-distribution plans.
• Manage reserve stock to support ongoing store requirements.
• Coordinate replenishments and inter-store transfers according to sales performance and inventory needs.
• Finalize seasonal assortment plans and size run books in collaboration with the Senior Merchandiser.

In-Season Trading

• Conduct in-season stock analysis and balancing across stores.
• Review stock versus sales performance and identify areas requiring action.
• Monitor bestsellers and slow-moving products and support timely corrective measures.
• Track actual sales against forecasts and coordinate inventory checks and replenishment requirements.
• Support seasonal markdown and sales planning with the Category Manager or Brand Manager.
• Ensure stock ageing remains within company standards and stock turns are maintained in line with policy.

Financial and Inventory Planning

• Support pre-season financial planning and in-season forecasting.
• Assist with open-to-buy management and merchandise budgeting.
• Contribute to budgeting requirements for new store openings.
• Support margin negotiations and order placement activities.
• Participate in stock distribution decisions based on store demand, planned events, and inventory availability.
• Monitor sales, stock, and forecast data to support informed merchandise decisions.

Market and Competitor Analysis

• Monitor competitor brands, product ranges, pricing, and category developments.
• Conduct regular market visits with the Brand Manager to assess store execution and gather competitor intelligence.
• Review current product and category trends relevant to the brand.
• Provide post-season feedback reports covering product and category performance.

Desired Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in retail merchandising or a similar role within the fashion or lifestyle industry.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, range development, vendor coordination, and trend analysis.
• Experience working with inventory management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze sales, inventory, and merchandise performance data.
• Bachelor 's degree in Business, Retail Operations, Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.