Department: Retail / Merchandising
Location: Andheri East.MIDC.Mumbai
The Buying & Planning – Retail role is responsible for driving strategic buying, merchandise planning, and inventory optimization to maximize sales, margins, and stock efficiency. The incumbent will lead demand forecasting, vendor negotiations, assortment planning, and inventory control through data-driven insights and strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Develop and execute seasonal and annual buying strategies aligned with sales targets and margin objectives.
- Analyse sales trends, consumer behaviour, MIS reports, and market insights to determine optimal product assortment and category mix.
- Identify new product opportunities and introduce relevant categories based on data-driven analysis.
- Lead vendor sourcing, negotiations, pricing finalization, and commercial terms to ensure profitability.
- Maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product quality, compliance, and timely deliveries.
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
- Manage OTB (Open to Buy) budgets and ensure buying decisions align with financial targets.
- Lead merchandise planning through demand forecasting, historical data analysis, and market intelligence.
- Monitor inventory levels to maintain optimal stock availability and reduce stock-outs and overstocking.
- Drive allocation strategies across stores/regions to maximize sell-through.
- Manage inventory turnover, aging stock, markdowns, and clearance strategies to improve margins.
- Align inventory plans with promotions, seasonality, and marketing calendars.
- Track and analyze key KPIs such as sell-through %, GMROI, stock cover, and category performance.
- Implement structured buying and planning processes supported by MIS dashboards and analytics.
- Drive continuous process improvements in procurement and inventory planning.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and financial controls.
- Present performance reports and actionable insights to senior management.
- Collaborate with retail operations, finance, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure business alignment.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills with hands-on experience in demand forecasting and inventory planning.
- Sound knowledge of retail
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing procurement budgets and pricing strategies.
- Strong leadership, decision-making, and cross-functional coordination skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, target-driven retail environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
MBA / PGDM (Preferred).
