Optical Merchandise and Category Planning Manager

Roles Responsibilities Develops and executes merchandising and category strategies across Frames Sunglasses Readers and Accessories to maximise sales gross profit inventory productivity and customer satisfaction ensuring the right products are in the right stores at the right time while collaborating with Operations Marketing Supply Chain and vendors Desired Candidate Profile Category Management Build and execute category strategies tailored to customer demographics and store profile Review category performance weekly and recommend actions to improve sales and profitability introduce new ranges based on trends Phase out slowmoving and underperforming products Analyse customer buying behaviour market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and optimise product assortments Merchandise Planning Create annual seasonal plans forecast demand and inventory needs allocate stock across stores and maintain optimal product mix while minimizing excess inventory and Ensure the right product mix is maintained in every store Inventory Management Monitor inventory health across all categories improve turn and sell through reduce aged obsolete stock Develop action plans for slowmoving stock Manage full product life cycles and partner with vendors on replenishment Optimise inventory investment and working capital while maximising stock productivity and return on inventory Sales Performance Analysis Track sales units ASP gross profit margin sellthrough stock turn weeks of cover and category contribution identify growth opportunities and produce regular performance reports Visual Merchandising Set merchandising guidelines and planograms ensure consistent instore presentation optimise display space by performance and conduct store visits audits Conduct regular store visits and merchandising audits Product Range Management Build balanced assortments across price points and brands manage launches and seasonal collections recommend exits and secure exclusive ranges with suppliers Pricing Promotions Recommend pricing and markdown strategies evaluate promotional effectiveness and support marketing with the right product selection while protecting margin Vendor Supplier Management Build supplier relationships participate in buying meetings negotiate promotional marketing support and review supplier performance CrossFunctional Collaboration Partner with Operations Marketing Supply Chain Finance Store Managers Vendor Partners and IT BI teams to deliver commercial goals