Space Planner_Merchandise Planning_Planning Concept.Splash.UAE_JAFZA_SPLASH

Role Overview

Space Planner, Merchandise Planning at Landmark Group, located in JAFZA, UAE (Splash).

Role Purpose

Optimize store space utilization and inventory productivity by managing capacity planning, conducting compliance audits, administering space management systems, and delivering data-driven insights to support planning and retail operations decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Space Capacity Planning & Utilization

• Conduct seasonal and in-season capacity analysis to evaluate store space utilization, inventory flow, and storage capacity requirements.
• Maintain and update capacity planning models using store layouts, fixture counts, and merchandising standards.
• Monitor actual versus planned capacity and identify opportunities to improve space productivity and inventory allocation.
• Publish periodic capacity reports and provide recommendations to Planning, Inventory, and Retail teams.

Inventory Analysis & Store Capacity Governance

• Analyse inventory holding against approved store capacity and highlight overstock, underutilization, and space constraints.
• Support planners with capacity-driven inventory recommendations to improve stock flow and sales productivity.
• Track capacity utilization trends and support actions to optimize inventory placement across stores.
• Provide insights on inventory density, availability, and stock productivity.

Store Audits & Compliance Monitoring

• Conduct store visits to validate capacity data, space utilization, and layout compliance.
• Perform deviation analysis between approved layouts and actual store execution.
• Prepare store audit reports highlighting compliance gaps, capacity issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Act as a liaison between Retail, Inventory, and Planning teams to address store-level observations.

Space Management Tool Administration

• Support implementation and ongoing administration of the Space Management Tool (SMT).
• Monitor fixture tagging, store measurement accuracy, and data quality within the system.
• Resolve user queries and provide guidance on space measurement and system usage.
• Track SMT compliance and support digitization initiatives related to space planning and store optimization.

Reporting & Data Management

• Prepare and publish capacity reports, SMT compliance reports, availability reports, and other planning MIS.
• Maintain accurate store layout, fixture, and space master data.
• Analyse trends and provide data-driven insights to support planning decisions.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Training Support

• Support initiatives to improve space planning methodologies, capacity calculations, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate training programs related to space planning tools, reporting systems, and business processes.
• Assist in development of training materials, user guides, and process documentation.
• Promote adoption of planning tools and best practices across stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or Commerce.
• 2–5 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Planning, Space Planning, Retail Operations, or Store Planning.
• Experience in inventory analysis, capacity planning, store operations, and retail reporting.

Preferred

• MBA in Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Business Administration.
• Experience with Space Management Tools (SMT), Power BI, QlikView, or similar analytics platforms.
• Exposure to store capacity planning, inventory optimization, and retail analytics.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong proficiency in MS Excel and reporting tools for data analysis and planning.