Senior Planner

GMG; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

GMG is seeking a Senior Planner in Dubai to lead merchandise financial planning across pre-season, in-season and post-season cycles. You will develop forecasts, drive category performance insights, and collaborate with buying and merchandising to ensure stock availability and optimal assortment.

You will monitor KPIs such as GMROII, sell-through, and markdown management. The role requires a strong background in planning, analytics and SAP/ERP systems, with 5–7 years of relevant experience in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Management.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in retail planning or merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pre-Season Planning with sales targets, margins, budgets and OTB.
• Develop annual and seasonal plans using historical data and market insights.
• Collaborate with Buying to define assortment strategies and guardrails.
• Track in-season performance and take actions to maximize sales and profitability.
• Oversee stock balancing, replenishment planning, allocation decisions and inventory optimization.
• Monitor KPIs (GMROII, sell-through, stock cover, markdowns).
• Prepare post-season analysis and strategic recommendations for upcoming cycles.

Skills

Advanced planning

Forecasting

Data analytics

Planning systems

Financial modelling

Retail cycles

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Business Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP 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, food and health sectors. Its vision is to inspire people to win in ways that make the world better. Today, GMG’s investments span across four key verticals: GMG Sports, GMG Food, GMG Health, and GMG Consumer Goods. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family, it has become a leading global company, affiliated with the world’s 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 into its markets.

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, food and health sectors. Its vision is to inspire people to win in ways that make the world better. Today, GMG’s investments span across four key verticals: GMG Sports, GMG Food, GMG Health, and GMG Consumer Goods. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family, it has become a leading global company, affiliated with the world’s 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 into its markets.

About the role

The Senior Planner is responsible for leading merchandise financial planning activities across pre-season, in-season, and post-season cycles to optimize sales, gross profit, and inventory productivity. The role develops advanced planning forecasts, drives category performance insights, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure stock availability, optimal assortment, and strategic alignment with buying and merchandising teams. The Senior Planner is also accountable for key planning KPIs such as MROII, sell‑through, OTB utilization, and markdown management.

Core Responsibilities

• Pre‑Season Planning
• Lead development of annual and seasonal plans including sales targets, margin expectations, inventory budgets, and OTB frameworks.
• Build detailed brand/category sales forecasts using historical data, trend analysis, and market insights.
• Partner with Buying to define assortment strategies and financial guardrails.
• In‑Season Management
• Track in‑season category performance and recommend actions to maximize sales and profitability.
• Lead stock balancing, replenishment planning, allocation decisions, and inventory optimization.
• Maintain and monitor KPIs including sell‑through, stock cover, margin, markdown performance, and GMROII.
• Post‑Season Review
• Prepare post‑season performance analysis to identify successes, opportunities, and learnings.
• Develop strategic recommendations to correct gaps for upcoming cycles.
• Planning Analytics & Reporting

Functional / Technical Competencies

• Advanced merchandise financial planning (GMROII, OTB, Sell‑through, Stock Cover).
• Forecasting and demand planning expertise.
• Data analytics and reporting (advanced Excel, BI tools).
• Strong command of planning systems (MFP, ERP, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Category financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Understanding of retail cycles, buying calendars, and trade strategies.

Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Management
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience