Assistant Merchandise Planning Manager

Home & Lifestyle & Fine Jewellery

Position Summary

The Assistant Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for supporting the development and execution of strategic merchandise plans that optimize sales, inventory productivity, and profitability for the Home & Lifestyle and Fine Jewellery businesses. The role partners closely with Buying, Merchandising, Retail Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Vendor partners to deliver business objectives through effective forecasting, inventory management, and commercial analysis.

The successful candidate will act as a key business partner, providing data-driven insights, identifying risks and opportunities, and driving inventory optimization initiatives to ensure sustainable growth and achievement of financial targets.

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Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual, seasonal, and monthly sales, margin, inventory, and receipt plans for Home & Lifestyle and Fine Jewellery categories.
• Support the preparation and management of Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets to ensure alignment with financial objectives.
• Monitor category performance against plans and proactively identify sales risks and growth opportunities.
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning exercises.
• Analyze sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and key retail KPIs to support business decisions.

Inventory Management & Optimization

• Ensure optimal inventory levels through effective replenishment and allocation strategies.
• Monitor stock health, sell-through rates, stock turnover, weeks of supply, and aged inventory.
• Lead inventory optimization initiatives to improve working capital efficiency and reduce markdown exposure.
• Work closely with Merchandising and Buying teams to establish exit strategies for slow-moving inventory.
• Review demand forecasts and recommend inventory actions to support seasonal and promotional activities.

Forecasting & Business Analysis

• Produce accurate weekly, monthly, and seasonal forecasts by category, brand, and channel.
• Conduct post-season and promotional performance reviews and provide actionable recommendations.
• Develop analytical tools and dashboards to improve visibility of business performance.
• Identify emerging trends, customer demand shifts, and market opportunities through data analysis.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Partner with Buyers and Category Managers to align assortment and inventory strategies.
• Collaborate with Retail Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure inventory availability and operational efficiency.
• Support vendor negotiations by providing financial and inventory insights.
• Present performance updates, opportunities, and risk assessments to management.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Provide coaching and guidance to Merchandise Planners and Planning Assistants.
• Support the implementation of planning best practices, SOPs, and process improvements.
• Drive automation and reporting enhancements to improve planning efficiency and data accuracy.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related discipline.

• 6 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, allocation, retail merchandising, or data analysis. Fresh Graduate is welcome too.

• Experience in luxury retail, Home & Lifestyle, Jewellery, or fashion retail is an advantage.