Merchandise Planning Manager

Company Overview

Founded in Dubai in 2016, SQUATWOLF is a gymwear brand made for athletes who push limits, in and out of the gym. What started in the Middle East has grown into a global movement, with customers in 100+ countries. We’re on a mission to elevate the human experience through high-performance gear that drives strength, progress, and purpose.

As we level up, we’re building a bold, creative team that’s hungry to make an impact. If you're ready to shape the future of gymwear and be part of something powerful, you’re in the right place.

SQUATWOLF.COM

Position Summary

As a Merchandise Planning Manager at SQUATWOLF, you will be responsible for leading the planning, forecasting, and inventory management activities to ensure optimal product availability and profitability. This role involves strategic decision-making, leadership, and collaboration with various departments to support the company's sales and growth objectives.

Note: This role is strictly for candidates with prior experience working with consumer brands. Experience only in distribution, wholesale, or third-party retail environments will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

➢ Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement long-term and short-term planning strategies aligned with the company’s goals.
• Lead the creation of annual, quarterly, and monthly sales, margin, and inventory plans.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align on business objectives and targets.

➢ Inventory Management

• Manage end-to-end omni channel inventory and ensure effective Inventory management across different channels, locations / Distribution Centers.
• Implement effective allocation strategies to ensure the right products are available in the right locations at the right time to maximize the sell-through.
• Implement effective replenishment strategies to ensure right amount of inventory is available at the right time and place to meet customer demand.
• Analyze, forecast and maintain optimal inventory level across channels & locations.
• Monitor product performance to identify slow-moving or excess inventory that may require markdowns or promotional strategies.

➢ Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the forecasting process, including sales, demand, and inventory levels.
• Set seasonal Targets and KPIs in line with the Financial Targets and KPIs of the business.
• Forecast and Management seasonal Open-To-Buy (OTB).
• Plan Inventory Intake by period and location to ensure optimal stock levels and inventory holding costs while minimizing the risks of overstock or understock.
• Utilize advanced analytical tools and techniques to improve forecast accuracy.

➢ Performance Analysis and Reporting

• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance across categories, products, and channels.
• Monitor and analyze key inventory metrics, including sell-through rates, margins, sales productivity and Inventory weeks cover.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to plan and execute promotional activities, including discounts, promotions, and special events.
• Analyze sales, inventory, and margin performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Present analysis in weekly and monthly or key milestone meetings.
• Use data-driven insights to recommend actions for improving performance.

➢ Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of planners and allocators.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and performance.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

➢ Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, logistics and finance teams to align planning and allocation strategies with overall business goals.
• Partner with IT and data analytics teams to enhance planning systems, tools and reporting.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in planning, allocation, merchandising, or inventory management, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory management within a consumer brand environment.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Planning
• Inventory Optimization
• Analytical Thinking
• Leadership and Team Development
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Communication and Influence
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Decision Making