Merchandising Manager – Retail Planning & Buying

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Career Level: Mid–Senior Management
Experience Required: 6–10 Years
Salary Range: USD $3,200 – $5,000 per month

Job Overview

We are hiring an experienced and commercially driven Merchandising Manager to lead product planning, assortment development, and inventory performance across retail channels. This role is central to driving topline sales growth, margin optimization, and efficient inventory turnover through data-driven merchandising strategies.

The Merchandising Manager will be responsible for translating market insights, customer demand, and business objectives into structured product assortments and seasonal plans. You will work closely with buying, supply chain, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure the right products are available, in the right quantities, at the right time, and at the right price.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with a deep understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and commercial decision-making. This role requires both strategic planning and hands-on execution in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandising Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies aligned with brand positioning, sales targets, and profitability goals
• Define assortment structures across categories, price points, and customer segments
• Ensure balanced product mixes that support customer demand, seasonal trends, and commercial objectives
• Translate business goals into actionable merchandising plans and calendars

Assortment Development & Range Planning

• Plan and manage seasonal assortments, product ranges, and category structures
• Support product launches by ensuring optimal assortment depth and breadth
• Collaborate with buying teams to finalize product selections based on demand forecasts and market trends
• Continuously review assortment performance and make adjustments to improve sell-through and profitability

Sales Analysis & Market Insights

• Analyze sales performance, customer demand patterns, and market data to guide merchandising decisions
• Monitor sell-through rates, stock cover, and category-level performance metrics
• Identify fast-moving, slow-moving, and underperforming products and take corrective actions
• Track competitor activity, pricing strategies, and market trends to stay competitive

Inventory Management & Stock Optimization

• Manage inventory levels across retail channels to ensure optimal stock availability
• Minimize overstock, stock-outs, and aging inventory through proactive planning
• Support stock rotation strategies to improve inventory turnover and reduce markdown dependency
• Work closely with supply chain teams to align replenishment plans with sales forecasts

Pricing & Markdown Strategy

• Develop pricing strategies that support margin targets while remaining competitive
• Plan and execute markdown strategies to clear slow-moving inventory efficiently
• Balance promotional activity with long-term brand and margin objectives
• Monitor pricing performance and adjust strategies based on real-time sales data

Category Performance & Profitability

• Own category-level performance and profitability outcomes
• Track gross margin, contribution margin, and markdown impact
• Identify opportunities to improve category performance through assortment, pricing, or inventory adjustments
• Present category performance insights and recommendations to senior management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with buying teams to align product selection with merchandising plans
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability
• Partner with marketing teams to support campaigns, promotions, and product launches
• Support store operations teams with clear merchandising guidelines and product priorities

Store Support & Execution

• Provide merchandising guidelines to store teams to ensure effective product presentation
• Support store teams with range clarity, product focus, and sell-through priorities
• Address store-level feedback related to product performance and availability
• Ensure merchandising strategies are practical and executable at store level

Systems, Tools & Data Management

• Use ERP systems and retail analytics tools to track inventory, sales, and performance metrics
• Ensure accuracy of product, pricing, and inventory data across systems
• Support system improvements and reporting enhancements to increase visibility and control
• Maintain high standards of data integrity for decision-making

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Prepare detailed merchandising and sales performance reports for management
• Track KPIs such as sales growth, sell-through, inventory turnover, and margin performance
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis
• Support business reviews and planning sessions with structured merchandising inputs

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field
• Advanced training or certifications in retail merchandising or analytics will be an advantage
• Strong foundation in retail planning, assortment management, and commercial analysis

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 6 years of experience in retail merchandising
• Proven experience managing assortments, inventory, and category performance
• Exposure to fashion, lifestyle, FMCG, or multi-category retail environments is preferred
• Experience working with ERP systems and retail analytics tools
• Experience in a multi-store or multi-channel retail setup is an advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with a data-driven mindset
• Excellent planning, forecasting, and organizational abilities
• Deep understanding of retail KPIs, inventory metrics, and margin management
• Strong commercial acumen and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple categories, timelines, and priorities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to translate data into actionable merchandising strategies
• Proficiency in MS Excel and reporting tools

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary package aligned with market standards
• Performance-based incentives linked to sales and profitability
• Medical insurance coverage
• Paid leave as per company policy
• Long-term career growth and leadership development opportunities
• Exposure to strategic merchandising decision-making within a growing retail organization

Why Join Us

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a seasoned merchandising professional to take ownership of product performance and commercial outcomes. You will play a key role in shaping assortments, driving sales growth, and improving inventory efficiency while working closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic retail environment.