Head Of Merchandising

Job Purpose

The Head of Merchandising is responsible for defining and executing the overall merchandising strategy to achieve sales, margin, and inventory objectives. This role leads buying and merchandise planning functions, ensuring the right product is available at the right time, quantity, and price across all stores and channels.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall merchandising strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the merchandising, buying, and planning teams.
• Drive a performance-driven culture with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain.

2. Sales, Margin & Stock Ownership

• Own sales, gross margin, and inventory targets across all categories/brands.
• Approve seasonal sales plans, OTB budgets, and stock levels.
• Ensure optimal stock turn, sell-through, and WOS across stores.
• Review weekly and monthly trading performance and take corrective actions.

• Oversee range architecture, assortment planning, and category mix.
• Ensure buying decisions are data-driven and aligned with customer demand.
• Approve final buy quantities, pricing strategy, and supplier selection.
• Balance fashion, commerciality, and core replenishment items.

4. Merchandise Planning & Forecasting

• Lead merchandise planning to ensure accurate forecasting and demand planning.
• Review and approve OTB management, replenishment plans, and allocations.
• Drive markdown and clearance strategies to minimize aged stock.
• Ensure strong planning discipline and post-season analysis.

5. Store & Channel Performance

• Monitor store-wise and category-wise performance.
• Ensure effective allocation and replenishment to maximize store productivity.
• Support store operations with commercial insights and product strategies.

• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve best cost, margin, and payment terms.
• Manage supplier performance, lead times, and delivery compliance.
• Work with Supply Chain to ensure timely product flow and stock availability.

7. Reporting & Governance

• Present regular performance reports to senior management.
• Ensure merchandising policies, controls, and processes are followed.
• Drive continuous improvement through data, systems, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field.
• 812+ years of experience in merchandising within retail (fashion/lifestyle preferred).
• Minimum 35 years in a senior merchandising leadership role.
• Strong experience managing buying and planning teams.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and stock efficiency.