Director - Merchandise Planning

INSPIRE | EXHILARATE | DELIGHT

Chalhoub Group has been a partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East for over seven decades. The Group brings together a portfolio of more than 10 owned brands and manages distribution and marketing for over 400 international names across luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, watches, eyewear, and art de vivre categories. It operates a hybrid luxury retail model with more than 950 stores and omnichannel platforms, and is guided by sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and innovation through its Greenhouse hub.

The Director – Merchandise Planning is responsible for defining and owning the end‑to‑end planning strategy. The role ensures alignment with business objectives while driving profitable growth through effective management of OTB, inventory, and key KPIs. It leads Subvertical performance by overseeing planning operations, steering cross‑functional decision‑making, developing high‑performing teams, and leveraging technology to continuously enhance planning capabilities.

• Own the planning strategy for the sub‑vertical, ensuring alignment with profitability targets and broader KPIs.
• Monitor overall planning KPIs, including stock levels, ISA, full‑price sell‑through, DOI, OTIF, fill rates, and costs; drive actions to meet target KPIs.
• Ensure OTB guidance and governance to maintain inventory agility and mitigate year‑end risk.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the VP Planning, managing escalations and arbitration.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional VPs to address major decisions related to omni‑stock management and reallocation across channels.
• Review and challenge critical operational components such as OTB, budgets, supply plans, markdown, and liquidation strategies.
• Lead S&OP processes to synchronize demand and supply plans, addressing risks and opportunities.
• Manage B2B and B2C components to ensure the correct balance of inventory, prioritization, and strategic alignment.
• Partner with Logistics and Commercial teams to define and implement optimal route‑to‑market strategies for new and existing brands.
• Drive logistics cost optimisation initiatives by improving end‑to‑end operational efficiency.
• Deploy technological capabilities such as Blue Yonder and SAP, ensuring strong team adoption and effective utilization.
• Foster best practices in Planning across the division, aligning with organizational standards and goals.
• Mentor and grow the capabilities of Merchandise Planners, especially in advanced planning tools.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in planning methodologies, leveraging technology to enhance accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.

• 12 to 15+ years of experience in merchandise planning and inventory management, preferably within a global brand in FMCG, luxury, multi‑brand, B2B or retail environment.
• Proven experience managing large, diverse planning teams.
• Extensive experience implementing and optimising advanced planning tools such as Blue Yonder and/or SAP.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing planning strategies that align with organizational goals and deliver measurable results.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.

• Advanced leadership and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities to monitor KPIs and drive performance improvements.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills to collaborate with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking and presentation skills, both oral and written.
• Advanced knowledge of planning processes, inventory management principles, and omni‑channel planning strategies.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies, and exclusive employee discounts. Opportunities for learning, development, and internal mobility within the Group are available.

We welcome all applicants and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to gender, age, race, religion, national origin, or disability status.