Planning Manager (Sales Planning & Forecasting) | Retail | M&S | UAE

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Overview Of The Role

• The Planning Manager is a pivotal role responsible for driving financial and commercial performance across all channels and product categories. Leading detailed sales planning and forecasting, the role integrates markdown strategies to optimize inventory and maximize full-price sell-through to deliver profitable growth. The position requires collaboration across multiple functions such as Merchandising, Buying, and Operations, ensuring the alignment of financial goals and sales strategies. Success in this role is measured by achieving key business KPIs, including sales performance, cash margins, markdown costs, and closing stock levels.

Business Plan And Kpi Delivery

• Responsible for Planning the Annual Business Plan by Market and Business Unit
• Deliver Weekly WSSI for Clothing & Home, Food, and Total Business

• Execute Markdown Management

• Develop robust and forward-thinking Business Plans
• Ensure the achievement of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost, and Closing Stock as per Business Plan

Sales Planning

• Lead accurate forecasting of Sales, Gross Profit, Gross Margin, and Markdown across all channels (Fashion, Food, Digital) and regions
• Develop sales plans by market, store, and category, broken down by month, week, and day
• Monitor forecast versus actual performance, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions
• Partner with Merchandising, Buying, and Operations to translate financial plans into actionable strategies

Business Unit Sales Planning

• Accountable for Business Unit sales planning by season, incorporating new product strategies
• Partner with Merchandising, Buying, and Allocation to ensure alignment with product launches and promotions
• Monitor performance against plan, identifying risks, opportunities, and corrective actions

Markdown Planning & Optimization

• Own the markdown strategy across all regions and channels
• Develop markdown phasing and price reduction plans to maximize sell-through
• Analyze the financial impact of markdowns and promotions, providing data-driven recommendations
• Collaborate with Retail and E-Commerce teams for accurate and timely markdown implementation
• Ensure Municipality Permission lists are submitted on time according to market regulations

Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Prepare and deliver weekly sales and inventory reports by Business Unit, channel, and store
• Report on key metrics including Sales, Gross Profit, Gross Margin, Markdown, and Aging Stock
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting aligned with business objectives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Merchandising and Buying on assortment investment decisions
• Partner with Allocation and Supply Chain to ensure stock flows support financial plans
• Collaborate with Retail and E-Commerce teams to align commercial performance with inventory strategy
• Present financial results, forecasts, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership

Systems, Processes & Improvement

• Maintain and enhance planning tools, dashboards, and reporting systems
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and increase forecast accuracy
• Ensure standardized and automated reporting to drive efficiency

What Qualifies You For The Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field; Master’s preferred
• 5-8+ years of experience in retail planning, financial planning, or merchandising planning, ideally in fashion or multi-channel retail
• Strong expertise in forecasting Sales, Gross Profit, Gross Margin, Markdown, and Aging Stock
• Proficiency in planning and BI systems (Excel, PowerBI, Tableau, SAP, Oracle/JDA, WSSI)

About Al-Futtaim Retail