Number of Vacancies – 1 2. Role (Why position exists) – Working in the capacity of Merchandise Planner to develop competitive & sustainable strategy for profitable growth, create the framework for smooth functioning of the categories to attain maximum merchandising efficiency. 3. Main Responsibilities – a . Should be executing timely customer demand analysis and market trends study to help decide merchandize buying aligning with company goals and financial budgets agreed with planning team for all categories. b . Collaborate with the finance department to forecast or determine whether the costs of raw materials will increase or decrease. c . Convey product ideas to the divisional leaders and the cross-functional team based on category needs. d . Initiate and manage consumer, market, industry, and competitor research to identify business opportunities while keeping a pulse on existing customers and understanding the needs and expectations of prospective customers within assigned market segments. e . Partner with key cross-functional partners to ensure category execution is on brand and delivers to business objectives. f . Work with the sourcing team to build a product that meets customer expectations and satisfies the brand KPIs. g . Responsible for identifying and working with reliable vendors who can most successfully fulfill product needs at the best price. h . Review and approve plan to purchase well in advance to address festival, occasions and seasonal needs for all categories while working closely with B&M team. i . Monitor and regularly reviews performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels by driving plans for stock levels in all categories; reacting to changes in demand and logistics. j . Assortment Planning for all categories           A.  Monitor costs and expenses to assist in budget preparation. OPEX cost controlling.           B.  Formulate & Implement strategies for driving efficiency in bottom lines with focus on penalty and cost of operations.           C.   Highlighting fast-moving and slow-moving products on a weekly basis.           D.  Tracking sales performance for top twenty products of different categories.           E.  Vendor evaluation in terms of delivery, quality and sale thru. 4. Educational Qualifications – Bachelor’s degree with MBA in Retail Management / Marketing will be most preferred. 5. Experience –  Atleast Five years of relevant experience in handling various facets of Retail business objectives, business environment and related processes with Retail Planning along with conducting market research, developing retail strategies and liaising with Buying team for providing market intelligence feedback & suggestions with a view to maximize operational efficiency. 6. Place of Posting – Howrah 7. Annual CTC (Rs.) – Best as per industry standards along with other fringe benefits.