Head-Merchandising & Planning

Job Summary:

The Head of Merchandising & Planning will be responsible for leading the end-to-end merchandise planning, buying, allocation, and inventory management process across all categories apparel and accessories and sales channels including SIS, Key Accounts, Online, Distribution, and EBOs. The role requires strong analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities to achieve sales, margin, and inventory targets as per the annual business plan.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business & Sales Planning

• Prepare annual and seasonal business plans (store/account-wise) to achieve sales targets for all categories.
• Develop the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) in line with the company's growth and profitability objectives.

2. Merchandise Planning & Buying

• Prepare buy plans and Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets for apparel and accessories across all business channels.
• Plan and buy merchandise based on sales history, market trends, and competition analysis.
• Ensure the right product mix, depth, and width to meet customer demand and maximize sales.

3. Allocation & Replenishment

• Oversee the complete allocation process for all categories across channels.
• Manage stock replenishment through effective order coordination and follow-up.
• Ensure timely product delivery to stores by liaising with warehouse and accounts teams.

4. Inventory & Stock Management

• Maintain healthy inventory levels with optimized stock cover.
• Plan liquidation strategies for slow-moving and old stock while controlling discount levels as per budget.
• Minimize store returns and execute channel-wise liquidation plans.
• Ensure complete accountability for inventory planning, movement, and optimization.

5. Business Analysis & Insights

• Conduct article/store-wise sell-through analysis and take corrective actions to maximize sellouts.
• Incorporate customer and store feedback into future buying and allocation decisions.
• Monitor and report performance against business KPIs sales, margins, inventory turns, and stock health.

6. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead the merchandising and planning team to ensure seamless execution of strategies.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, operations, and warehouse teams to achieve business goals.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail planning, assortment strategy, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and planning tools (e.g., ERP, SAP, or retail merchandising systems).
• Commercial acumen with a deep understanding of fashion/retail trends.
• Leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Graduate/Post-Graduate in Fashion Merchandising, Business Management, or a related field.
• 1015 years of experience in merchandising, planning, and buying within the retail or fashion industry.
• Proven track record of managing multi-category and multi-channel operations.