Strategic Merchandise Planner - Retail Forecasting & Inventory

GMG Gulf; Dubai; On-site; AED 133,920 - 200,880; Full time

Job summary

GMG is seeking a Merchandise Planner – Retail Planning in Dubai to translate sales, inventory and customer data into practical merchandise plans. You will forecast by brand and category, calculate open-to-buy needs, and coordinate with buying teams to keep stock aligned with seasonal strategy.

The role focuses on reducing stockouts, improving inventory productivity and supporting promotional and markdown activity across multiple brands and stores within GMG’s regional portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum three years of relevant experience in merchandise planning, retail planning or inventory analysis.
• Strong knowledge of pre-season, in-season and post-season merchandise management.
• Practical understanding of open-to-buy planning and stock budgeting.
• Experience preparing sales forecasts by brand, category, store or season.

Responsibilities

• Prepare management information and analytical reports for assigned brands and categories.
• Analyse actual sales, forecasts, inventory levels, ordering parameters and replenishment requirements.
• Review historical sales performance and seasonal demand patterns.
• Maintain accurate information on stock budgets, current inventory and category performance.
• Prepare sales forecasts by brand, category, store and season.
• Calculate quarterly open-to-buy requirements for each assigned store.
• Support pre-season merchandise planning and seasonal inventory budgeting.
• Monitor category plans using store analytics, customer preferences and historical trends.
• Coordinate with buyers to execute approved merchandise and assortment plans.
• Support effective in-season stock management across stores and retail areas.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Retail planning

Open-to-buy planning

GMROII analysis

Sales forecasting

Inventory optimization

Stock budgeting

Seasonal planning

Pre-season planning

In-season management

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Business Management or related

Job description

GMG is seeking a Merchandise Planner – Retail Planning in Dubai to translate sales, inventory and customer data into practical merchandise plans. You will forecast by brand and category, calculate open-to-buy needs, and coordinate with buying teams to keep stock aligned with seasonal strategy.

The role focuses on reducing stockouts, improving inventory productivity and supporting promotional and markdown activity across multiple brands and stores within GMG’s regional portfolio.