Head of Planning – Retail (UAE) We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Planning for a leading retail client in the UAE. This role will be responsible for driving end-to-end planning excellence across merchandise, financial, and assortment functions while leading a high-performing team. Key Responsibilities 1. Merchandise & Assortment Planning Develop and execute seasonal and long-term merchandise plans aligned with business objectives Drive assortment strategies based on customer insights, trends, and market dynamics Collaborate closely with buying and merchandising teams to optimize product mix 2. Financial Planning & Strategy Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning cycles Deliver sales, margin, and inventory targets through data-driven decision-making Provide strategic insights to senior leadership to support business growth 3. Inventory & Stock Optimization Ensure optimal inventory levels across channels to maximize sell-through and minimize markdowns Implement effective replenishment and allocation strategies Monitor stock health, aging, and turnover KPIs 4. In-Season Management Track performance against plan and proactively recommend corrective actions Manage OTB (Open-to-Buy) and reforecasting processes Drive agile decision-making based on real-time sales and inventory data 5. Category Promotions & Performance Plan and evaluate promotional strategies to maximize revenue and profitability Partner with marketing teams to align campaigns with trading calendar Analyze promotional effectiveness and ROI 6. Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planning professionals Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture Build succession plans and strengthen organizational capability Candidate Profile 18–22 years of experience in retail planning/merchandising Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role Strong experience in fashion, lifestyle, or large-format retail (preferred) Proven track record in financial planning, inventory management, and assortment strategy Strong analytical mindset with expertise in planning tools and data interpretation Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills Considering candidates from Europe and Asia Pacfic regions #J-18808-Ljbffr