PR/097325 | Merchandise Planning Manager - Fashion, Footwear (HQ)

Your New Company A globally established fashion and lifestyle brand with strong multi‑channel presence across retail and e‑commerce is strengthening its global merchandising function. With expansion across multiple international markets, the organisation is focused on driving premium positioning, stronger inventory performance, and data‑driven growth across its product categories.

Your New Role As a Merchandise Planning Manager (Global Category Lead), you will take ownership of the commercial performance, assortment direction, and full product lifecycle for your assigned category.

This is a highly strategic role that blends merchandise planning, pricing, inventory strategy, and global demand management, with a strong focus on driving premiumisation and optimising global sell‑through.

You will lead the development of a responsive push‑pull inventory model, ensuring the right products are available in the right markets at the right time to maximise revenue and profitability.

Key Responsibilities 1. Range Curation & Assortment Strategy

• Define key seasonal “hero” products with clear targets for volume and sales contribution.

• Identify high‑performing styles and evolve them into long‑term “core” products to sustain category growth.

• Drive assortment planning strategies based on market demand and performance insights.

   

2. Pricing & Commercial Strategy

• Establish pricing structures across markets based on demand, positioning, and competitor benchmarking.

• Ensure alignment with margin targets while maintaining brand positioning

3. Product Lifecycle Management

• Own the full lifecycle of SKUs from concept through launch, markdown, and exit strategies.

• Drive global inventory rebalancing by reallocating stock across regions to maximise full‑price sell‑through.

4. Inventory & Supply Chain Strategy

• Oversee a responsive inventory model combining forecast‑based planning and demand‑driven replenishment.

• Implement push strategies to ensure availability and pull strategies based on real‑time sales performance.

• Manage global stock flow to improve inventory turnover, reduce lead times, and optimise sales productivity.

5. Data‑Driven Performance Management

• Analyse sales performance and market trends to inform assortment, pricing, and inventory decisions.

• Track key merchandising KPIs including sell‑through, ROS, contribution margins, and stock turn.

• Translate insights into actionable strategies to drive consistent growth across markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Merchandising, or a related field.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in merchandise planning, buying, or a related commercial function.

• Strong expertise in assortment planning, inventory optimisation, and demand forecasting.

• Advanced analytical skills with strong proficiency in Excel and data tools (e.g. Power BI).

• Experience working across regional or global markets is highly advantageous.

• Strong understanding of merchandising KPIs, pricing strategies, and product lifecycle management.

• Detail‑oriented with a strong commercial mindset and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

• Proven ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders.