Planner

GMG; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

GMG is seeking an experienced Planner to optimize sales and inventory levels while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role involves preparation of analytics, performance monitoring, and ensuring effective in-season management.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's or Master's degree, along with 5-7 years of experience in planning and strong analytical skills. Excellent English communication and proficiency in planning systems are required.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of proven experience in planning category/brand management or related functions.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in sales forecasting, inventory planning, and variance analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare brand/category MIS analytics based on actual sales forecasts.
• Maintain and analyze sales history and current inventory levels.
• Ensure quarterly open-to-buy (OTB) figures are calculated per store.
• Monitor brand/category performance using store analytics and customer preferences.
• Coordinate with the Buying team for effective in-season management.
• Prevent stockouts by ensuring accuracy in planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Sales forecasting

Inventory planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Business Management or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Planning systems

Job description

Who we are:

GMG is a global well-being company retailing distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport everyday goods health and beauty properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years GMG is a valued partner of choice for the worlds most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East North Africa and Asia GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports Dropkick Supercare Pharmacy Farm Fresh Klassic and international brands like Nike Columbia Converse Timberland Vans Mama Sitas and McCain.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Planner to support the formulation and execution of planning strategies across Pre-Season In-Season and Post-Season management cycles. This role plays a key part in optimizing sales Gross Profit Value (GPV) and inventory levels while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare brand/category MIS analytics based on actual sales forecasts inventory checks order parameters replenishment needs and upcoming events.
• Maintain and analyze sales history stock budgets and current inventory levels to prepare accurate sales forecasts by brand/category and season.
• Ensure quarterly open-to-buy (OTB) figures are calculated per store.
• Monitor brand/category performance using insights from store analytics customer preferences historical trends and the Buying teams outlook.
• Coordinate with the Buying team for execution and ensure effective in-season management (stock balancing markdowns stock vs. sales analysis).
• Keep abreast of latest planning trends and realign processes where required.
• Prevent stockouts by ensuring accuracy in planning.
• Identify obsolete or slow-moving stock; recommend markdowns/discounts as per SOPs to liquidate inventory.
• Prepare variance analysis reports comparing actual performance vs. budgets; identify growth opportunities to minimize down-trending categories.
• Monitor and set GMROII and density targets by brand/category to maximize profitability.
• Ensure promotional and sales plans are executed as per the trade calendar.

Key Metrics (MFP Merchandise Financial Planning):

GMROII: Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment

OTB: Open to Buy

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelors or Masters degree in Business Management or related field

57 years of proven experience in planning category/brand management or related functions.

Strong analytical skills with experience in sales forecasting inventory planning and variance analysis.

Excellent written and spoken English; strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Proficiency in planning systems and MS Excel.