Director - Merchandise Planning

Overview

Strategic Oversight and Monitoring

• Responsible of the Planning strategy of the sub-vertical in alignment with profitability targets and broader KPIs.
• Monitor overall planning KPIs, including stock levels, ISA (Inventory Service Availability), Full Price Sell-Through, DOI (Days of Inventory), OTIF (On-Time In-Full), fill rates, and costs. Drive actions to ensure target KPIs are met.
• Ownership of OTB guidance and governance ensuring agility in inventory management across the year and mitigation of EOY risk.

Operational Oversight and Excellence

• Act as the primary point of contact for the VP Planning, managing escalations and arbitration as needed.
• Collaborate with the cross functional VPs to address major decisions related to omni-stock management and reallocation across channels.
• Review and challenge critical operational components, including OTB, budgets, supply plans, markdown, and liquidation strategies.
• Lead and drive S&OP processes to ensure the synchronization of demand and supply plans addressing risks and opportunities.
• Manage B2B and B2C components of the business objectively ensuring the correct balance of inventory, prioritization and strategic alignment.

Route-to-Market & Logistics Optimization

• Partner with Logistics and Commercial teams to define and implement optimal route-to-market strategies for new and existing brands,, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational capabilities.
• Drive logistics cost optimization initiatives by improving end-to-end operational efficiency (ordering, receiving, picking), in close collaboration with Logistics teams and external suppliers.

Organizational Development and Mentorship

• Drive organizational effectiveness through the deployment of technological capabilities such as Blue Yonder and SAP, while ensuring strong team adoption and effective utilization of these tools.
• Foster best practices in Planning across the division, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and goals including RACI ownership.
• Support, mentor, and grow the capabilities of Merchandise Planners, especially in the adoption and optimization of advanced planning tools like Blue Yonder.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in planning methodologies, leveraging technology to enhance accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.
• What you’ll need to succeed

Professional Experience

• 12 to 15+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, preferably within a global brand in FMCG, luxury, multi-brand, B2B or retail environment.
• Proven experience in managing large teams across diverse planning functions.
• Extensive experience in implementing and optimizing 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.

Education

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

Additional Skills

• Advanced leadership and strategic thinking skills to guide large-scale planning initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to monitor KPIs and drive performance improvements.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking and communication skills, with proficiency in both oral and written presentations.
• Advanced knowledge of planning processes, inventory management principles, and omni-channel planning strategies.
• What we can offer you
• With us, you will turn your aspirations into reality.
• We will help shape your journey through enriching experiences, learning and development opportunities and exposure to different assignments within your role or through internal mobility.
• Our Group offers diverse career paths for those who are extraordinary, every day.
• We recognise the value that you bring, and we strive to provide a competitive benefits package which includes health care, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies as well as exclusive employee discounts.

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