▷ (High Salary) Gap Inc. Manager, Merchandise Planning - Gap India

Job Description

About Gap Inc.

Our past is full of iconic moments - but our future is going to spark many more. Our brands - Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta - have dressed people from all walks of life and all kinds of families, all over the world, for every occasion for more than 50 years.

But we're more than the clothes that we make. We know that business can and should be a force for good, and it's why we work hard to make product that makes people feel good, inside and out. It's why we're committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. If you're one of the super-talented who thrive on change, aren't afraid to take risks and love to make a difference, come grow with us.

About The Role

In this role, you will be part of the Franchise Merchandise Planning team, bringing the financial strategy behind our Gap product vision to life for Franchisees across India. As Manager, Merchandise Planning, you will drive the success of multiple divisions and product categories by executing wholesale and margin budgets, leveraging product performance analysis across key accounts.

You are passionate about using your qualitative and quantitative skillset in a corporate fashion retail environment and find joy in identifying global market nuances. You are curious, innovative, and focused on executing an amazing customer experience across the global while delivering/exceeding financial targets. Strong analytical and storytelling skills will serve you well, and a collaborative mindset is a must.

This position is based in Bangalore and requires the ability to commute locally to franchise offices for regular business meetings. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Franchise Merchandising, Account Management & Planning, Product Operations, Business Analytics, Store Experience, Marketing, and the Gap Brand Omni Product and Planning teams.

What You'll Do

- Partner cross-functionally with Franchise Merchants and Account Planning to develop and communicate comprehensive financial strategies that align with product opportunities by division and department.
- Create and manage preseason strategies to drive wholesale, margin, and inventory that support product and business goals, incorporating market nuances.
- Analyze historical data and in-season performance to identify risks, opportunities, and trends by division and department, recommending actions to achieve financial targets.
- Present financial findings and action plans in Open-to-Buy meetings and cross-functional reviews, influencing seasonal investments and setting financial benchmarks at the partner level.
- Lead regular business presentation, sharing financial results, product learnings, and recommended actions with cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
- Collaborate with global peers to ensure consistency of strategy and tools, share best practices, and foster a results-oriented, innovative planning environment.
- Build strong partnerships with internal teams (Merchandising, Production, Distribution, Company Planning, etc) and external Franchisees, ensuring alignment and communication throughout the planning and buying process.
- Continuously evolve planning processes and tools to meet the needs of a dynamic retail environment and diverse Franchisee markets, driving efficiency and performance.

Who You Are

- Proficient in Excel, including data manipulation and advanced formulas; comfortable navigating planning systems and tools.
- Demonstrates strong business acumen and strategic agility, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Builds effective, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and time zones; believes in the power of teamwork and partnership.
- Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, able to assess complex situations, analyze data, and drive solutions with speed and creativity.
- Strong communicator, with excellent listening, written, and verbal skills; able to clearly present ideas and influence stakeholders.
- Thrives in a self-directed role, using initiative and resourcefulness to achieve goals and resolve issues independently.
- Flexibility to participate in calls outside regular business hours as needed to support global operations and cross-regional collaboration.
- Ability to travel internationally on a regular basis as needed.
- Minimum of 5-7+ years of merchandise planning or buying experience, with a proven track record of delivering results.
- Wholesale or consulting experience is a plus, especially in cross-functional or client-facing environments.

Benefits At Gap Inc.

- One of the most competitive paid time off plans in the industry
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees, same-sex partners and their families
- Health and wellness program: free annual health check-ups, fitness center and Employee Assistance Program
- Comprehensive benefits to support the journey of parenthood
- Retirement planning assistance
- See more of the benefits we offer.

Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.