Planning Manager

Role Overview

The Planning Manager will be responsible for driving sales forecasting, inventory planning, OTB management, and stock optimization for assigned categories within Livspace (Furniture & Homeware).

The role ensures the right inventory, at the right time, in the right stores while improving margins and stock turns.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Demand Forecasting

Build annual and seasonal sales plans by category and store cluster.

Forecast demand based on historical sales, market trends, and seasonality.

Track forecast vs actual performance and refine planning models

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2. OTB & Budget Management

Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets.

Align buying quantities with financial targets.

Ensure adherence to margin and inventory budgets.

3. Inventory Management

Monitor stock turns, sell-through %, and ageing inventory.

Identify slow movers and recommend markdown/liquidation strategies.

Prevent stock-outs on key SKUs.

4. Assortment & Allocation Planning

Plan SKU depth and width based on store size and regional demand.

Ensure optimal product mix across price segments.

Work with supply chain for timely replenishment.

5. Reporting & Analysis

Track KPIs: Revenue, GM%, GMROI, Inventory Turn, Sell-through %.

Present weekly/monthly business review reports.

Provide actionable insights to Buying & Leadership teams.

Experience

• 48 years in retail planning / merchandise planning.
• Experience in home/lifestyle brands or similar retail formats preferred
• MBA / PG in Retail, Finance, or Supply Chain preferred.