And Designs - Retail Merchandiser

Primary Responsibilities:

Channel (Format) Strategy: Define channel specific strategy (Location and Format wise) to meet the overall business Sales and Mechandize objective, e.g. Formats like Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Central, Pantaloon would need different strategy basis location as well.

Manage supply across multiple channels

Ensure smooth relationships and partnership with Vendors/Suppliers/Management of Formats across channels

Manage channel conflict as they arise.

Sales Management - ABP: Formulate Annual Business Plan for Global Desi in discussion with Top Management. B Plan will include Forcasted Sales Figures for the Financial Year. The Sales targets are to be communicated and tracked on Daily/Weekly and Monthly Basis. Though the plan is for year, it can changed post approvals on monthly basis considering predictable/unpredictable factors like Trend change, store location change, mall acvitity, season, store potential etc

Oversee planning and buying of merchandise while managing supplies and stock returns

Ensure relationship management with the clients/principals and introducing improvement processes to consistently build a brand image

Merchandise (Booking, Buying Management): Booking of Styles: Forecast Sales numbers style/region/location/season wise and finalize numbers for Production in discussion with CEO and Designers at the time of Range Presentation (Weekly Presentations).

Fit Session (Trial) during range presentation to forecast hot trends, style would work better in the market. Dependent on MRP and category.

Ensure base Qty for each counter is pumped in beginning of the season, track and maintain optimum base Qty at all times.

Plan for Store Merchandise and ensure stock availability in all stores for various sections of the stores and be cost conscious about Logistics.

Monitor timely delivery of products in right quantity and right place.

Interacting with the design and development team to understand the market trend. Forecast style that would work best in the market. Track on best seller and least sold merchandise. Work on feedback mechanism on style/trend

Monitor and ensure the quality of the products is as per the desired standards:

Inventory Management at store level: Study and monitor the inventory to study the fast moving and slow moving products and take necessary actions

Closely co-ordinate with Store Managers on utilization of stock to achieve a target of maintaining fabric inventory of current season only.

Planning- New Counters & seasons:Plan operational and merchandising activities for new stores. Includes scouting for new possibilities, negotiations and deal closure post approval from Top Management.

Co-ordinate with the Operations and front end team for store opening activities. End to End coordination with management of Malls.

Track sales and Stock requirement by co-ordinating with store staff.

Forecast the stock requirement of the season and plan for the required quantity.

Interact with the design and development team to understand market trends.

Provide inputs to the design team by studying various designs and concepts from the market

People Management: Understanding the sensitivities of cross geographic working and multi functional teams

Identify training needs for every team member for enhancing the job effectiveness and partner with HR to provide the training sessions for the identified needs

Develop and coach reportees to create an effective team and to develop them for future opportunities within the system

Build strong relationship and foster teamwork among agencies, suppliers and extended team to achieve maximum performance

Set up and implement an effective sales compensation plan to ensure motivated sales force.

Key Challenges

- Market uncertainties and stiff competition

- Geographical diversity in the domestic market

- Managing a single window across windows for 1st time"

Educational Qualifications: MBA and Equivalent

Preferred/Additional Qualifications:Masters in Supply Chain Management

Minimum Experience: 10-16 years

Relevant/Additional Experience: Experience of handling supply chain,vendor management etc.

Industry preference: Retail/Apparel etc.