Retail Merchandiser

Job Description for Retail Planner

Key Responsibilities:

1. Forecasting and Demand Planning:
• Develop and manage demand forecasts for all product categories.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer buying behaviors to create accurate forecasts.
• Review and adjust forecasts regularly to reflect changes in trends, seasonality, and other factors.
• Week cover

1. Inventory Management:
• Ensure optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing excess stock and markdowns.
• Assortment planning
• Allocation grid and order management
• Work closely with supply chain teams to track inventory and ensure timely restocking.
• Monitor stock movements, identify slow-moving items, and recommend strategies to address these issues.
• Stock turn

1. Sales Analysis and Reporting:
• Analyze sales performance, identify trends, and generate reports to inform business decisions.
• Provide insights on product performance, regional variations, and customer preferences.
• Present recommendations for improving sales, stock turnover, and profitability to senior management.

1. Merchandising and Space Planning:
• Collaborate with the merchandising team to develop effective product placement strategies and promotional displays.
• Ensure that product assortments are aligned with customer preferences and sales data.
• Work with the visual merchandising team to optimize store layouts and product presentations.

1. Collaboration with Buying, Store, Marketing Teams:
• Work closely with the buying team to ensure that product assortment is aligned with customer demand and market trends.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure effective promotional strategies and campaigns are executed.
• Coordinate with stores and distribution teams to ensure the smooth flow of merchandise and promotions.
• Respond to frontend teams

1. Financial Management:
• Contribute to the creation of budgets and sales targets.
• Monitor financial performance, including margins, markdowns, and stock turnover, to ensure the company’s profitability goals are met.

1. Vendor Management and Coordination:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Manage orders, deliveries, and returns to ensure product availability and smooth operations.

1. Continuous Improvement:
• Identify areas for process improvements in forecasting, planning, and inventory management.
• Keep up with industry trends and best practices to enhance planning strategies.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field. A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CIRM) is a plus.
• Experience:
• Experience in retail planning, merchandising, or inventory management.
• Strong experience in demand forecasting, sales analysis, and inventory management.
• Experience with retail planning software and systems (e.g., SAP, Excel, Retail Planning Systems).

• Skills:
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (advanced).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of retail KPIs and financial metrics (e.g., sales, margin, stock turnover).

Key Competencies:

• Time management and organizational skills
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptability to changing retail environments