Planner | Retail

Job Requisition ID: 166036 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Role Overview:

Support and optimize the performance of the buying and operations teams by providing accurate planning, forecasting, and data-driven insights to achieve financial goals.

What you will do:

1. Demand Forecasting & Inventory Management:

• Develop and maintain forecasts for key categories, considering sales trends, seasonal demands, and promotions.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to create accurate demand models, ensuring optimal inventory.
• Monitor stock levels to avoid overstocking and stockouts, collaborating with supply chain to address issues.

2. Assortment Planning:

• Collaborate with buying teams to ensure assortments meet customer preferences and market trends.
• Plan product introductions and phase-outs to maximize space and sales.

3. Sales Analysis & Performance Reporting:

• Analyze product performance, identify growth opportunities, and flag underperforming SKUs.
• Provide insights to management and buying teams based on sales data and competitor activity.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with marketing, merchandising, and supply chain to ensure timely product launches and alignment with promotional calendars.
• Support store operations to ensure optimal product placement and inventory allocation.

5. Financial Planning & Budgeting:

• Support the Merchandise Planning Manager in developing seasonal budgets.
• Manage in-season financials to meet sales and profitability targets.

6. Communication & Reporting:

• Communicate stock levels, sales, and supply chain issues to management.
• Prepare reports for business reviews, including sales forecasts and stock aging.

What you will need:
Experience & Knowledge:

• Proven experience in merchandising or retail, ideally in toys or consumer goods.
• Strong analytical skills with data analysis tool proficiency.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

Technical Skills:

• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field.

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.