Job Title: Senior Associate- Planning & Category

Experience: 5+ years

Location: Bengaluru

Role Summary

We are looking for a Planning & Category professional to drive category performance through merchandise planning, demand forecasting, pricing strategy, and inventory optimization. This role will work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure strong sell‑through, in‑stock availability, and profitable growth of the category across channels.

Experience in the denim category will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Category Planning & Performance

Own end‑to‑end business planning for the category, including revenue, margin, and growth targets
Track daily/weekly/monthly performance and analyze sell‑through, inventory turns, and product performance
Identify growth opportunities across sub‑categories (fits, styles, price segments, etc.)

Demand Planning & Inventory Management

Forecast demand and plan inventory to ensure optimal stock levels and avoid stockouts/overstocking
Work closely with supply chain and sourcing teams to manage inwards, replenishment, and allocation
Monitor ageing inventory and drive liquidation strategies

Pricing & Promotion Strategy

Develop and execute pricing strategies based on market benchmarks and competition
Plan and manage discounting, markdowns, and promotional campaigns
Align with platform calendars (marketplaces & D2C) for maximum visibility and conversions

Data Analysis & Insights

Analyze data from dashboards and reports to derive actionable insights on category performance
Track key metrics such as GMV, revenue, conversion rate, ASP, and inventory health
Recommend improvements in assortment, pricing, and merchandising based on data

Cross‑Functional Coordination

Collaborate with merchandising, design, sourcing, supply chain, and marketing teams
Align product launches, campaigns, and inventory availability with business goals
Work closely with marketplace teams for execution of category plans

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred)
5+ years of experience in category management / planning / merchandising
Strong understanding of D2C, e‑commerce, and marketplace operations
Experience in apparel/fashion industry
Denim category experience is a plus

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets
Understanding of fashion retail metrics and inventory planning
Ability to work with large data sets and derive insights
Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills
High ownership, attention to detail, and execution focus