Merchandise Planner – Job Description
Position: Merchandise Planner
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Summary
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for planning, forecasting, and managing inventory to maximize sales, profitability, and stock efficiency. This role analyzes sales trends, customer demand, and inventory performance to ensure the right products are available in the right quantities at the right time.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop merchandise plans and sales forecasts based on historical data and market trends.
- Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies.
- Analyze sales performance, stock turnover, and product profitability.
- Create and manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets and inventory plans.
- Collaborate with buying, merchandising, supply chain, and retail teams.
- Forecast demand and identify opportunities to optimize stock allocation.
- Monitor slow-moving and excess inventory and recommend corrective actions.
- Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and planning performance.
- Support seasonal assortment planning and product launch strategies.
- Ensure inventory investments align with company financial objectives.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Proven experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, or retail analytics.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
- Experience with ERP, merchandising, or planning systems.
- Strong understanding of retail metrics and inventory management principles.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in fashion, apparel, FMCG, luxury, or multi-brand retail.
- Knowledge of demand forecasting and assortment planning.
- Familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Sales achievement versus forecast
- Inventory turnover rate
- Gross margin return on investment (GMROI)
- Stock availability and in-stock percentage
- Sell-through rate
- Markdown and clearance performance
- Inventory aging and stock accuracy
Core Competencies
- Merchandise and inventory planning
- Forecasting and data analysis
- Financial and commercial acumen
- Strategic thinking
- Attention to detail
- Communication and collaboration
- Time management and organization
Typical Industries
- Fashion and apparel retail
- Department stores
- Luxury retail
- Electronics retail
- FMCG and consumer goods
- E-commerce businesses
- Specialty retail chains
