About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic-minded Buying & Planning to lead our buying and planning functions within a fast-paced fashion retail business. In this role, you will drive commercial performance through smart merchandise planning, inventory optimization, and data-led decision-making. The ideal candidate is analytically strong, commercially driven, and passionate about fashion.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Merchandise Strategy
- Develop and execute buying strategies aligned with seasonal sales and profit targets.
- Curate a balanced and commercially viable product assortment in line with brand direction and customer demand.
- Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify trends and inform merchandise decisions.
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate favorable terms on pricing, quality, and delivery.
Planning & Inventory Management
- Develop and manage OTB (Open-to-Buy) plans to optimize inventory investment.
- Monitor and control inventory levels to maximize sell-through and minimize excess stock.
- Implement effective replenishment and allocation strategies across channels and stores.
- Utilize forecasting tools to predict product demand and adjust plans accordingly.
Performance & Analysis
- Analyze sales performance, KPIs, and stock health to identify opportunities and gaps.
- Develop actionable plans to address performance issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations on buying and planning performance for senior management.
Team & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Lead, coach, and develop the buying and planning team.
- Collaborate closely with Marketing, Logistics, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of merchandise plans.
- Partner with the forecasting team to align demand planning with business objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or related field
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in buying and/or merchandise planning within fashion retail
- Strong commercial acumen with proven P&L ownership experience
- Proficient in OTB planning, assortment optimization, and pricing architecture
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning tools or ERP systems is a plus
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills
