Objective:

This position is responsible for supporting the Brand Manager in planning and executing product and assortment strategies to meet financial objectives. It also involves managing merchandise allocation, inventory accuracy, and in-season performance while ensuring alignment with brand goals and optimizing store-level execution.

Key Responsibility:

Planning & Management

• Assist in building seasonal merchandise plans by analyzing category performance, past trends, and brand outlook.
• Support in-season strategy by identifying sales opportunities and driving alignment with overseas planners and joint venture goals.
• Manage day-to-day inventory across stores including allocations, replenishments, and inter-store transfers.
• Plan and execute initial product distribution and reserve stock based on pre-distribution and store grading.
• Ensure system accuracy by validating stock-on-hand (SOH) against warehouse/store records; investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Track real-time stock movement and analyze sales data to minimize overstock and stockouts.
• Lead the setup of location codes for new stores to ensure smooth stock transfers and inventory tracking.
• Create post-season feedback reports by category and assist in seasonal markdown planning with the Brand/Category Manager.

Strategic Analysis

• Support the development and execution of long-term merchandise strategies aligned with the brand's global vision.
• Create detailed allocation strategies based on store clusters, customer profiles, and product performance.
• Analyze store-level metrics including weeks of cover, merchandise blend, and grade-based inventory to optimize planning.
• Track actual sales vs. forecasts, manage inventory needs for upcoming events, and adjust replenishments accordingly.
• Ensure active brand participation in loyalty programs such as Club Apparel and support buying strategy accordingly.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Act as the key liaison with overseas planning teams to ensure alignment on assortment, product placement, and business strategies.
• Provide weekly and monthly business performance reports with actionable insights.
• Collaborate with store operations to cluster stores effectively and optimize regional assortments.
• Coordinate with marketing and omni-merchandising teams for pricing, promotions, and key online initiatives.
• Conduct regular market visits and competitor benchmarking with the Brand Manager to provide input on future strategy.
• Demonstrate agility in reacting to business opportunities and market dynamics, adjusting strategy as needed.

Desired Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in business planning and development.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic merchandise vision aligned with brand objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with principal or in-house brands to drive measurable business outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in sales forecasting, inventory planning, and cross-functional coordination.