Retail Merchandise & Inventory Planner | Work Onsite-Ortigas

RETAIL MERCHANDISE & INVENTORY PLANNER

Work for our global clients and immerse in our rich and diverse company culture where you can thrive, grow and just be aweSOme! Apply now and discover the Satellite Office Candidate Experience – recognized as one of BEST among BPO companies worldwide.

WHAT IS A/AN RETAIL MERCHANDISE & INVENTORY PLANNER?

The Planner is responsible for:

• Setting and maintaining the merchandise and assortment plans for a gender/s and class/s within the team
• Budgeting, forecasting activities and providing financial analysis to ensure that financial goals and sales targets are met
• Category and product analysis to define buy quantities
• Order raising and stock allocation
• Providing instore merchandising and display guidelines

• Establish budgets and forecast future returns using all available information.
• Contribute to the achievement of the department’s sales and gross profit targets.
• Manage the costing and pricing process.
• Provide commercial analysis to inform and confirm buying decisions.
• Analysis and forecasting of sales, profits, purchases and stocks, by department and class.

• Analyse post season data and conduct post seasonal reviews including to develop action plans to address missed opportunities and future strategies.
• Investigate and provide analysis of business and financial challenges, trends and improvement opportunities.
• Forecast and quantify ‘the Buy’ in line with budget guidelines and range planning.
• Manage the buy-plan seasonally to ensure that correct flow of options is placed and quantified.
• Responsible for inventory control which includes monitoring and advising on stocks to maximise productivity.
• Provide in season product analysis, tracking & reporting of sales and inventory levels.
• Manage the delivery of robust and consistent reporting for store and brand performance and aged stock
• Supplier analysis as required.
• Additional ad hoc duties as required.

• Manage the entire product lifecycle, advising on allocation methods to improve in-stock position and replenishment of product
• Discuss appropriate actions including markdowns, regroups, and reorders and propose strategies
• Analyse trends to ensure accurate forecasts to supplier
• Recommend and execute approved markdowns
• Review and report on markdowns and ensure these are managed to budget.
• Manage aged stock and flow of stock to clearance (timing and quantity).
• Manage tools and data which support analysis. i.e. product attributing and classification, gridding, size curves, and replenishment orders.
• Review and report on markdowns and ensure these are managed to budget.
• Assist with analysis and reporting to influence decisions and overall business performance.

• Foster an environment of teamwork through facilitation of regular Team Meetings, 1:1s with direct reports, celebrating Team and individual wins and promoting other opportunities for collaboration.
• Provide ongoing professional development of Team Members including coaching, training and mentoring to ensure the Accounting Team have up to date knowledge and skills to achieve financial objectives.
• Conflict management/resolution and performance management as required.

• Knowledge of fashion or apparel retailing, supply principles and retail store administration procedures
• Commercial awareness in Merchandising
• Ability to observe, interpret and act upon trends in customer behaviour.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel (Advanced knowledge of databases and spread sheets)
• Excellent attention to detail with an analytical mind
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to be flexible & adaptable
• Great interpersonal skills and a team-focused attitude for getting the job done
• Excellent communication skills

Education/Qualifications/Memberships:

• Fashion Degree or similar an advantage

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a planner or inventory management role
• Previous experience in the retail environment, fashion or apparel is an advantage
• Analytical mindset and data-driven; taking initiative to analyse how products are performing as well as conducting consumer research
• Understanding of inventory management within a retail environment