Manager - Merchandising Apparel FZCO

Objective:

The position is responsible for planning and executing product and assortment strategies that meet or exceed financial targets. It involves coordinating merchandise allocation, managing inventory levels, supporting pre-season financial planning and in-season forecasting, and ensuring balanced collections across stores. The role plays a critical part in maintaining stock health, driving category performance, and enhancing customer experience in collaboration with the Brand Manager.

Key Responsibility:

• Assist in developing merchandise plans based on sales trends, product mix, and brand forecasts.
• Coordinate pre-season financial planning, in-season projections, open-to-buy management, and new store budgeting.
• Plan store-wise merchandise mix and manage product allocation, pre-distribution, and reserve stock.
• Analyze store profiles using metrics such as weeks of stock, sales mix, and inventory by store grade.
• Finalize seasonal assortment plans and size run books in coordination with the Senior Merchandiser.
• Monitor competitor pricing, product offerings, and merchandising strategies to support positioning.
• Ensure efficient in-season stock management, including markdowns, replenishments, and stock balancing.
• Manage margin negotiations, order placements, product selection, and distribution in line with company targets.
• Track performance of bestsellers and slow movers; take corrective action to improve turnover and profitability.
• Monitor actual sales vs. forecasts, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure timely replenishments.
• Oversee compliance with stock ageing standards and maintain stock turns as per company policy.
• Conduct regular store visits and competitor analysis alongside the Brand Manager, providing strategic feedback.

Desired Experience:

• 6-8 years of experience in pre-season financial planning, in-season forecasting, and open-to-buy management.
• Strong understanding of merchandising operations across multi-store retail environments.
• Proven ability to drive sales performance through strategic assortment and inventory planning.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with planning, buying, and operations teams.