Assistant Planning Manager | Retail | Fashion & Accessories | UAE

Job Requisition

Assistant Planning Manager

The Assistant Planning Manager supports the planning function by developing precise financial, sales, and inventory plans across markets and channels. The role is critical for forecasting sales, margins, markdowns, and inventory needs to ensure strong business performance and efficient stock management. Collaboration with Merchandising, Allocation, Retail, and Supply Chain is essential to align and execute accurate plans.

• Plan the annual business plan by market and business unit.
• Deliver weekly WSSI for Clothing & Home, Food, and Total Business.
• Execute markdown management.
• Deliver sales, cash margin, markdown cost, and closing stock as per the business plan.

• Develop seasonal and annual sales plans by market, store, category, and channel (Retail, E‑Commerce, Omnichannel).
• Build weekly, monthly, and seasonal sales forecasts using past performance, trends, and business drivers.
• Prepare financial projections for gross profit, gross margin, markdowns, and inventory.
• Track performance versus plan and highlight risks or opportunities.

• Support the Planning Manager in business unit sales planning by season, incorporating new product strategies, forward‑looking initiatives, and potential sales gaps.
• Monitor performance against plan, identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions to optimize seasonal results.

• Support markdown planning, price phasing, and promotional analysis.
• Track sell‑through and aging stock to recommend timely markdown actions.
• Partner with Merchandising to ensure markdown strategy protects margin while achieving sell‑through targets.

• Prepare weekly and monthly business performance reports including sales, margin, stock, and KPIs.
• Analyze product, category, and store performance to support strategic decisions.
• Identify business risks and provide insight‑driven recommendations.

• Support Finance in validating forecasts and financial submissions.
• Work with Buying and Merchandising teams on weekly business unit and department‑level planning.

• Maintain accurate planning data and product hierarchies in reporting systems.
• Develop templates, dashboards, and presentations for planning reviews.

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Collaboration and cross‑functional alignment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Retail Management, or related field.
• 3‑5 years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail analysis, preferably in fashion or multi‑category retail.
• Proficient in Excel and reporting tools, with strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience with planning systems such as JDA, Power BI, Tableau, SAP, or similar.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced retail environment.