Demand Planner

As a Demand Planner / Merchandise Planner at Theater, a fast-growing design-led fashion brand in Chandigarh (CCR), your role is crucial in owning the inventory planning and forecasting process to ensure the right stock is always in the right place at the right time across channels. You will be combining data-driven forecasting with the fast-moving world of fashion to maintain the perfect balance of inventory levels. Key Responsibilities: - **Inventory Planning & Forecasting:** - Build short-, mid-, and long-term inventory forecasts aligned with sales projections, seasonality, and new launches. - Collaborate with sales, merchandising, and marketing teams to incorporate promotions, campaigns, and seasonal spikes. - Continuously refine demand forecasts using historical sales data, trend analysis, and predictive tools. - **Optimization & Allocation:** - Monitor inventory across warehouses, offline stores, and online channels to ensure optimal allocation. - Define and maintain safety stock levels to prevent understocking. - Develop policies for replenishment cycles, reorder points, and lead times. - **Data & Systems Management:** - Own and enhance the inventory management systems. - Create dashboards and reporting formats to track inventory KPIs like DIO, stock turns, sell-through %, return %, etc. - Leverage analytics to reduce slow-moving or dead stock and improve working capital efficiency. - **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** - Work with sourcing & production teams to align purchase orders with forecasted demand. - Partner with finance to optimize cash flow tied to inventory. - Coordinate with sales & distribution teams for timely stock movement. - **Resilience & Risk Management:** - Build contingency buffers against supplier delays, market volatility, and trend shifts. - Monitor external factors like festivals, weather, and macro-trends impacting fashion demand. - Proactively design liquidation strategies for slow-moving stock. Key Skills & Competencies: - Strong analytical ability with experience in forecasting & demand planning. - Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; familiarity with ERP/WMS tools (EasyEcom, Unicommerce, Zoho, etc.). - Knowledge of fashion retail dynamics including seasonality, assortments, and SKU complexity. - Ability to balance operational detail with strategic thinking. - Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills. In this role, your success will be measured by KPIs such as Stock Availability Rate, Sell-Through Rate, Inventory Turnover Ratio, Reduction in Dead/Obsolete Stock %, Forecast Accuracy %, and Improved Working Capital Efficiency. An ideal background would include 3-6 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain, preferably in fashion, lifestyle, or FMCG sectors. A degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field is required, with an MBA/PGDM being preferred. Prior exposure to D2C + offline retail will be advantageous. If you are interested in joining Theater and contributing to our high-growth environment, please send your CV to careers@theater.xyz with the subject line "Demand Planner CV". Theater is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.,