Senior Buyer and Merchandise Planner

Position: Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner
Industry: Retail (Sports Brand Retailer)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Type: Full Time (Onsite)
Budget: Open to Negotiation

Job Description (Summary)
As the Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner, you will oversee planning and forecasting for future merchandise buys based on historical trends, industry insights, and inventory levels. You will work closely with multiple departments, including Marketing, Retail Operations, E-Commerce, Supply Chain, and Finance, to align merchandise plans with business goals.

Develop and execute merchandise plans based on historical trends, market insights, and inventory levels.
Define merchandising strategy in collaboration with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment with global seasonal messages and local market relevance.
Coordinate with retail merchandisers to optimize product range and retail buying to maximize sales and profits.
Monitor and analyze merchandise planning metrics, including sales forecasts, inventory checks, and replenishment needs.
Formulate and communicate strategic merchandising plans to the buying team and oversee in-season management across all stores.
Ensure stock deliveries align with approved capacity plans and store profiles to achieve sales objectives.
Manage financial aspects, including sales, stock, margins, order quantities, allocation, and replenishment strategies.
Assist in pricing definition and provide reporting for strategic decision-making.
Coordinate showroom preparation with Sales and Marketing and oversee visual merchandising strategies.
Support Finance with order intake data and purchase order planning.
Identify slow-moving stock and implement liquidation strategies in line with brand guidelines.
Maintain strong coordination with store managers to ensure timely product deliveries.
Train and develop team members, especially in brand management and merchandising best practices.
Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and brand partners for strategic alignment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Sales forecast accuracy.
Intake margin performance.
Inventory turnover rate.
Sell-through rate, Average Transaction Value (ATV), Units Per Transaction (UPT).
Promotional performance.
On-Time Delivery Rate.
Compliance with buying processes.

Required Competencies:
Merchandise planning & forecasting
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strategic thinking and decision-making
Pricing strategy and inventory optimization
Ability to work collaboratively across functions
Market analysis and competitive positioning
Knowledge of global and regional merchandising strategies
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Financial planning and budget management
Supply chain coordination and demand planning
Adaptability to market changes
Process improvement and efficiency

Required Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Fashion, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant product management experience, preferably with international sports or lifestyle brands.
Strong analytical and reporting skills with business intelligence expertise.
Experience in merchandise planning, stock allocation, and inventory optimization.
Knowledge of retail buying processes and go-to-market strategies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced retail environment.
Readiness and ability to travel as required.
Avid interest in fashion
Impressive analytical skills
Female buyer