Manager - Planning

Company Overview

Agilitas is building India's first global sports company by integrating world-class product innovation, manufacturing excellence, iconic brands, and a comprehensive retail ecosystem. The company aims to create category-defining products and experiences for athletes and consumers, with a focus on global expansion. Its operations include manufacturing through Mochiko, India's largest sports footwear manufacturer; consumer brands like Lotto and ONE8; and premium multi-brand retail concepts such as Sports Yard.

Job Summary

The Manager - Planning will be responsible for end-to-end demand planning for one of Agilitas' brands. This role involves driving seasonal planning, forecasting, inventory strategy, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) management. The manager will leverage data, analytics, and AI tools to ensure optimal inventory levels across channels, maximizing sales, profitability, and inventory productivity. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to align inventory with business objectives and implement data-driven planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Own seasonal merchandise financial planning, including sales, inventory, margin, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) management.
• Develop and continuously improve demand forecasts across categories, channels, and SKUs using statistical methods and AI-driven forecasting techniques.
• Lead weekly business reviews, reforecast demand, monitor inventory health, and recommend actions related to allocations, replenishment, markdowns, and promotional activities.
• Track and enhance key planning KPIs such as forecast accuracy, stock turn, weeks of cover, aging, and stock efficiency.
• Build dashboards, automate planning workflows, and utilize AI tools to improve forecasting, scenario planning, and reporting processes.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure inventory levels align with overall business goals.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of demand or merchandise planning experience in footwear, apparel, sports, or retail sectors.
• Strong expertise in demand forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB), inventory planning, and weekly trading processes.
• Experience working across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; exposure to SQL, Python, or Business Intelligence (BI) tools is a plus.
• Practical experience using AI tools to enhance planning, forecasting, or analytics.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Educational qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Analytics, or related fields; a Master’s degree is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AI-driven forecasting and planning tools.
• Knowledge of retail ERP systems and inventory management software.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Builder's mindset with a proactive approach to process improvement.

Experience

• 4 to 6 years of relevant experience in demand or merchandise planning within footwear, apparel, sports, or retail industries.
• Proven track record of managing demand forecasts, inventory strategies, and cross-functional collaboration.

Environment

• The role is based in Bangalore, with a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• The position involves collaboration across multiple teams including Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial.
• The work setting is primarily office-based, with potential for hybrid arrangements depending on company policies.

Salary

Not specified

GrowthOpportunities

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified