Retail Store Planner - Mall of the Emirates

Role Overview

The Retail Store Planner plays a pivotal role in supporting store operations by ensuring optimal stock management and flow coordination. Reporting directly to the Store Director, the planner aims to have the right merchandise available at the right time to enhance and maintain sales performance. This role bridges communication and coordination between the store's sales and stock teams, logistics operations (including LDC, Central warehouse, Operations), and the retail merchandising and planning divisions within the subsidiary.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain responsibility for stock quality and monthly stock coverage at the store.
• Analyze and track key selling items across various levels such as SKUs, models, and categories, implementing and monitoring relevant KPIs like Month of Stock (MOS) and sell-through rates.
• Conduct weekly alignment meetings with the in-store sales floor manager to synchronize the product mix offered in-store.
• Implement product strategies established in collaboration with the store team and retail merchandising.
• Advise sales teams proactively on slow-moving stock and recommend promotional actions.
• Monitor inventory levels closely to identify and signal potential product shortages or risks, suggesting alternatives accordingly.
• Define, monitor, and optimize stock coverage to align with store sales targets and subsidiary merchandising guidelines.
• Implement key performance indicators related to stock management, including MOS, sell-through performance, stock aging, and product rotation from remote warehouses.
• Communicate KPIs and stock strategies regularly with store management.
• Ensure effective monitoring and utilization of in-store storage capacity to prevent overstocking and facilitate sales strategies by product segment.
• Organize and optimize store stockrooms (front, back, and remote) according to merchandise strategy set by the Floor Manager.
• Implement min/max inventory settings within CEGID/COCKPIT systems collaboratively with floor managers, considering stockroom capacity, sales strategy, and product offerings; update these as needed.
• Plan and adapt product replenishment ahead of special events, including seasonal peaks, commercial occasions, product launches, and phase-out periods, working closely with merchandising.
• Coordinate closely with logistics distribution centers (LDC) to monitor replenishment plans and ensure alignment with actual stock needs.
• Work in partnership with store management, logistics, operations, and retail merchandising teams to achieve operational and sales KPIs.

Success Indicators

• Optimal stock levels maintained for all product categories within the store.
• Effective stock rotation contributing to maximum sell-through rates.
• Achievement or exceeding of monthly and annual sales budgets.
• Increased awareness and engagement with products among store staff.
• Robust collaboration and communication between stores and corporate departments.
• Well-established partnerships between store teams and headquarters’ planning units.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum two years' experience in retail back office operations or supply chain planning.
• Solid understanding of fundamental supply chain concepts.
• Familiarity with forecasting methodologies and relevant tools.
• Strong communication skills paired with leadership abilities to work effectively alongside sales and corporate teams.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable.
• Excellent analytical capabilities.
• Business-driven mindset with a proactive approach to proposing improvements and supporting team productivity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including Pivot Tables and Xlookup), Word, and PowerPoint.

About Hermès

Founded in 1837, Hermès is a prestigious independent and family-owned French firm specializing in the creation and sale of premium-quality goods. The company employs over 25,000 individuals globally and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, high standards, and personal autonomy through responsible management. Hermès is dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship and operates sixteen artisanal métiers to inspire creativity. Its collections are available in more than 300 boutiques worldwide.