Manager - Merchandising

Objective

The position is responsible for planning and executing product and assortment strategies that meet or exceed financial targets. It involves coordinating merchandise allocation, managing inventory levels, supporting pre‑season financial planning and in‑season forecasting, and ensuring balanced collections across stores. The role plays a critical part in maintaining stock health, driving category performance, and enhancing customer experience in collaboration with the Brand Manager.

• Assist in developing merchandise plans based on sales trends, product mix, and brand forecasts.
• Coordinate pre‑season financial planning, in‑season projections, open‑to‑buy management, and new store budgeting.
• Plan store‑wise merchandise mix and manage product allocation, pre‑distribution, and reserve stock.
• Analyze store profiles using metrics such as weeks of stock, sales mix, and inventory by store grade.
• Finalize seasonal assortment plans and size run books in coordination with the Senior Merchandiser.
• Monitor competitor pricing, product offerings, and merchandising strategies to support positioning.
• Ensure efficient in‑season stock management including markdowns, replenishments, and stock balancing.
• Manage margin negotiations, order placements, product selection, and distribution in line with company targets.
• Track performance of bestsellers and slow movers, take corrective action to improve turnover and profitability.
• Monitor actual sales vs forecasts, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure timely replenishments.
• Oversee compliance with stock ageing standards and maintain stock turns as per company policy.
• Conduct regular store visits and competitor analysis alongside the Brand Manager, providing strategic feedback.

• 6-8 years of experience in pre‑season financial planning, in‑season forecasting, and open‑to‑buy management.
• Strong understanding of merchandising operations across multi‑store retail environments.
• Proven ability to drive sales performance through strategic assortment and inventory planning.
• Experience in cross‑functional collaboration with planning, buying, and operations teams.