Merchandise Planning Assistant / Allocator

About the Role

This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Dubai for a Merchandise Planning Assistant / Allocator supporting the merchandise planning function for a major lingerie and nightwear brand operating across the Middle East and GCC. The role is suited to someone who is enthusiastic about fashion, highly analytical, and motivated by working in a fast-moving retail environment where stock decisions directly affect sales performance.

The position contributes to forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and making sure products are distributed to the right stores at the right time. It also involves maintaining clean planning data, monitoring allocation outcomes, and helping improve planning processes through regular reporting and analysis.

Role Focus

The assistant/allocator works closely with merchandise planners to assess sales patterns, stock movement, and store requirements. The aim is to support efficient replenishment, reduce stock-outs and overstock situations, and keep merchandise flowing smoothly across existing stores and new openings.

Core Duties

• Study sales performance, historical trends, store inventory, and demand indicators to support product allocation decisions.
• Distribute merchandise to existing outlets and new store locations based on store size, past sales, inventory position, seasonality, and product life cycle.
• Oversee replenishment during the selling season by coordinating movement of goods from the warehouse to stores.
• Track inventory turnover, sell-through, size-wise performance, and stock gaps or excess stock, then revise allocations as needed.
• Prepare recurring reports such as weekly and monthly inventory summaries, store-wise sales and stock analysis, and allocation performance dashboards.
• Handle inter-branch transfers on a weekly basis so that priority stores remain appropriately stocked.
• Respond to daily store allocation and stock requests promptly and accurately.

Required Capability

Strong numerical thinking, attention to detail, and comfort with retail data are essential. The role also demands clear communication, good coordination with multiple teams, and the ability to work against deadlines in a busy retail setting.

Qualifications and Technical Needs

• Strong analytical ability to interpret sales, inventory, and store performance data.
• Working knowledge of planning concepts, assortment support, and replenishment coordination.
• Good command of English, along with effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with store teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are essential, and familiarity with planning systems or ERP tools is an advantage.
• Prior experience in merchandise planning, retail allocation, or inventory management is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related area is beneficial.
• High accuracy, strong deadline management, and the ability to perform in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Logical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Clear listening, writing, and speaking skills.
• Ability to work comfortably with retail maths and learn technical systems quickly.
• A proactive, can-do mindset.

Why Join

• Join one of the region’s most recognized and loved fashion brands.
• Be part of a purposeful team that values innovation, agility, and authenticity.
• Gain opportunities for growth and development within a leading fashion retail group.
• Receive a competitive tax-free salary.
• Work in an environment with continuous learning.
• Be part of a culture where people enjoy what they do every day of the year.

Additional Information

The role is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is a full-time on-site position.