Sanjib Saha
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Highly creative and result-oriented Demand Planning Manager with 15+ years of expertise in forecast accuracy, demand planning, buying, store operations, vendor management, and stock optimization. Proven track record in developing and executing effective merchandising strategies across fashion and lifestyle retail segments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Asst.Manager of Planning, Merchandising & Buying
Middle East Retail Group – Hamleys
02.2020 - Current
- Manage ordering process by analysing sales forecasts, stock cover, supplier lead times, and store storage capacities.
- Develop and execute comprehensive product assortment plans by category, SKU, and location aligned with brand strategies.
- Allocates merchandise to stores using sales forecasts, store profiles, and inventory availability to maximize sales and minimize stockouts.
- Monitor store performance and dynamically adjust allocation strategies for sales and margin optimization.
- Oversee inventory levels, KPI review and sell-through performance to ensure optimal allocation and replenishment.
- Prepare detailed sales budgets in coordination with Finance, Operation and Brand teams.
- Analyze Category, Vendor, and Brand mix performance to develop strategic fulfilment plans.
- Develop seasonal merchandise plans incorporating sales trends and market insights.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of stock levels and aging inventory, identifying markdown and promotion opportunities.
- Cultivate strong vendor relationships, leading margin negotiations and planning special offers.
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Buying, and Store Operations to execute impactful promotions, sales events, and pricing strategies.
- Monitor actual vs. budgeted sales weekly/monthly, taking decisive action on variances.
- Streamlined communication channels, enhanced internal information flow.
Sr. Demand Planner
Paris Group – Balmain
, UAE
11.2018 - 01.2020
- Managed stock planning and assortment across 130+ retail and online stores while improving inventory health and product performance.
- Analyse previous season’s sales trends by category to develop the assortment plan and prepare for OTB.
- Overall inventory Analyse & take necessary actions for liquidation of the slow moving & ageing stocks and refill for the fast-moving stocks.
- Conducted seasonal analysis for reorders and SKU rationalization.
- Monitored stock aging and cleared inventory via promotions.
- Conducted thorough sales analysis for accurate demand forecasting.
Merchandise Planner
Future Group – Indigo Nation
Bangalore, India
05.2015 - 10.2018
- Handled merchandising activities, product allocations, and season-based buying strategies.
- Created seasonal buy plans and store-level MBQs.
- Analyzed sales trends by size, color, and product.
- Managed stock launches and leftover inventory.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing merchandising strategy across all stores nationwide.
Store Manager
Reliance Retail Ltd.
Bangalore, India
01.2012 - 04.2015
- Oversaw daily store operations, team leadership, and sales achievement while ensuring top-tier customer service.
- Led team recruitment, training, and performance monitoring.
- Conducted store operations, inventory control, and cash handling.
- Oversaw promotional activities and customer experience.
- Monitored inventory levels consistently to avoid stock shortages or overages.
- Collaborated with upper management in strategic planning, contributing valuable insights from ground level operations.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, protecting the store's image and consumer relationships.
- Managed staff rosters, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times.
- Coached underperforming employees improving their job performance significantly.
- Developed a team-oriented environment by implementing effective leadership strategies.
Store Manager
Aditya Birla Retail Ltd.
Bangalore, India
12.2009 - 12.2011
- Drove profitability through effective store management, inventory control, and team motivation.
- Delivered consistent sales targets while minimizing shrinkage.
- Maintained high merchandising and hygiene standards.
- Streamlined operations to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
- Ensured high levels of customer satisfaction with proactive interaction and prompt issue resolution.
- Maintained an organised stock room for easy accessibility of goods.
- Led training sessions for new employees, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Retail Management
Retailers Association of India
01.2008 - 01.2009
BBM - Business Management
Bangalore University
01.2003 - 01.2006
MBA - International Marketing
Edith Cowan University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Skills
- Team Lead
- Vendor Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- People Management
- Assortment Planning
- Allocation Strategies
- KPI Monitoring
- Sell-Through Management
- Forecast Accuracy
- OTB Planning
- Buying Strategy
- Merchandising Strategy
- Promotional Planning
- Promotional Execution
- Store Operations
- Team Leadership
- Sales Budgeting
- Category Analysis
- Sales Monitoring
- New Store Launch Strategy
- Supply Chain Management
- Product Flow Management
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Proficiency in SAP
- Proficiency in MS Dynamics NAV
Languages
English
Hindi
Bengali
Timeline
Asst.Manager of Planning, Merchandising & Buying
Middle East Retail Group – Hamleys
02.2020 - Current
Sr. Demand Planner
Paris Group – Balmain
11.2018 - 01.2020
Merchandise Planner
Future Group – Indigo Nation
05.2015 - 10.2018
Store Manager
Reliance Retail Ltd.
01.2012 - 04.2015
Store Manager
Aditya Birla Retail Ltd.
12.2009 - 12.2011
Post Graduate Diploma - Retail Management
Retailers Association of India
01.2008 - 01.2009
MBA - International Marketing
Edith Cowan University
01.2008 - 01.2010
BBM - Business Management
Bangalore University
01.2003 - 01.2006
Custom
Available upon request.
Personal Information
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: India
- Marital status: Married
Custom
Available upon request.
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