YOUR MISSIONPosition Summary: We are seeking a strategic and results-driven professional to lead the merchandising and planning function for PUMA India's expansive network of nearly 200 factory outlets, generating over ₹600 Cr in annual revenue. In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end business planning and merchandising, including setting net sales and margin targets, managing inventory, providing buy budgets and designing a robust markdown and promotion strategy to drive both revenue and profitability. Your key objective will be to ensure the right product is available at the right store at the right time, using a deep understanding of customer behavior, product performance & store dynamics.This role requires a strong analytical mindset and a passion for retail excellence. You will:Develop and execute comprehensive sales, margin & inventory plans for the FOC businessOwn the markdown strategy, curating offers that maximize sell-through with healthy marginsDrive topline and bottom-line growth through effective inventory management & pricing strategyLeverage data-driven decision-making, continuous process improvements, and automationCollaborate closely with sales, buying, operations & finance to deliver on business objectivesStay deeply connected with the product line and customer trends to devise allocation strategiesLead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of 7 professionalsThis is a high-impact role that combines strategic thinking with operational execution in one of Puma Indias most dynamic and rapidly growing channels.Key Objectives:Demand Forecasting Develop monthly sales targets at the store level, along with detailed daily phasing for the channel. Identify the inventory required to meet these targets and implement effective strategies to ensure achievement.Sales Achievement Monitor progress against sales targets and proactively adjust merchandising or promotional strategies as needed. Collaborate closely with the retail sales team to identify operational gaps and take corrective actions. •Store Merchandising & Inventory Management Manage the allocation of Old Season Merchandise (OSM) from other channels based on store-specific requirements and product gaps relative to sales goals. Drive inventory productivity by implementing aggressive promotions for non-moving and slow-moving stock. Take full ownership of the Bought-For-Outlet strategy by ensuring timely placement in relevant stores, and facilitate regular replenishment or replacement to minimize lost sales opportunities.Markdown Management Design innovative, data-backed promotional offers that balance revenue, profitability, and inventory turnover objectives. Partner with the sales team to execute in-store promotions, customize offers by location, and align visual communication (including windows and in-store messaging) with ongoing campaigns.Purchase Budget Planning Define the Open-to-Buy (OTB) requirements necessary to support the planned sales trajectory. Provide strategic direction to the buying team on product selection, key price points, and high-potential styles guided by current performance trends and assortment gaps within the channel.Operational Efficiency Continuously monitor store performance and diagnose underlying issues impacting sales. Collaborate with the sales, visual merchandising, and store development teams to improve retail execution and overall operational efficiency.Team Leadership & Development Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to team members, empowering them to implement best practices both within the channel and across the organization in their respective regions. Foster continuous learning by supporting their upskilling and professional growth, ensuring they are equipped to deliver high-impact results.KPIs and qualitative measures:Net sale achievementMargin (MGP%) achievementMarkdown reductionEBIT achievementInventory stock turnInventory health (% of OSM)Sell through rate (STR%)Store Size integrityNOOS (Never Out of Stock) availabilityOrganizational Relationships:Internal stakeholder: Retail sale, Business finance, Visual merchandising, Business development/Projects, Buying ,Other channel merchandising team and Business IntelligenceExternal stakeholders: Franchise partners and Tech provider for replan toolYOUR TALENTQualifications and Functional Competencies:Professional experience/QualificationMasters from top tier institutes preferred (IIMs, NITIE, SPJIMR, XLRI, FMS, MDI etc)Minimum 4-5 years of experience in the retail space, preferably in merchandising/planningAttributes we look forLeadershipStrategic mindsetTransformational capabilityStakeholder connectStrong executionAnalytical prowessDecision making and ownershipNegotiation and influencing capabilitiesOperational rigorGood communication & interpersonal skillsSelf motivated and drivenInquisitive and experimentalizeQuestioning status quoSPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. 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