Assortment Associate, Textiles

The Associate, Assortment Planner reports directly to the Director of Assortment Planning and supports the strategic development and execution of buying frameworks for a designated category. The role collaborates with cross‑functional teams to align assortment plans with top‑line strategic and financial objectives, covering pre‑market analysis, in‑market quantification, and post‑market adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to develop and execute the buying framework for the designated category.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
• Assist in conducting thorough analyses of pre‑market, in‑market, and post‑market activities.
• Support the creation and implementation of Private Brand line plans, using historical performance and adoption rates.
• Contribute to style‑outs to align with customer preferences and market trends.
• Assist in overseeing the allocation process, confirming store matrix, and applying Min/Max at the style level.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, acceptance, and respect within the Assortment Planning team.
• Pre‑Market
  • Support development of by‑store sales and turn plans aligned with annual financial targets.
  • Assist in inspecting receipt flow plans and addressing variances with Financial Planning.
  • Contribute to clustering strategies considering channel, tier, and climate differences.
  • Participate in building and maintaining category C‑1 in coordination with the Divisional Merchandise Manager.
  • Help assess current season performance and determine future season replenishment assortment.
  • Establish bottoms‑up targets for key‑item volume drivers, trends, and newness.
  • Own Private Brand line plans and adjust based on historical category performance.
  • Evaluate breadth, depth, and productivity of the assortment.
  • Finalize the “shopping list” composition prior to market appointments.
• In‑Market
  • Collaborate in quantifying the Buyer’s curated assortment by brand, style, channel, and store cluster.
  • Ensure alignment with cluster financial targets and the overall assortment framework.
  • Identify duplication across styles and vendors during the style‑out process.
• Post‑Market
  • Conduct style‑outs in NuOrder or within the market cycle based on system capabilities.
  • Address key style‑out questions, including customer attributes and tier differences.
  • Finalize necessary changes after style‑out and Buy Review; support sending orders for allocation.
• Allocation
  • Confirm the store matrix as the first step of the allocation process.
  • Apply Min/Max at the style level to ensure appropriate depth.
  • Support EDI allocations to vendors at least 30 days prior to In‑DC dates.
  • Inspect receipt availability before releasing orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Ability to perform essential job functions, including communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems.
• Flexibility to work a schedule that meets department and company needs.

Skills

• Analytical: proficiency in analyzing sales data, turn plans, and financial targets.
• Collaboration and communication: strong teamwork and ability to foster a culture of excellence.
• Retail knowledge: understanding of assortment planning, private‑brand line plans, and allocation processes.
• Quantitative: experience building and maintaining category C‑1 and assessing season performance.
• Planning and organization: ability to develop by‑store sales plans, inspect receipt flow, and manage key processes.
• Technology proficiency: familiarity with NuOrder, EDI systems, and related tools.
• Decision‑making: sound judgment in finalizing changes after style‑out and supporting allocation orders.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and performance‑based incentives/bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• 401(k) match and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off, eight paid holidays, and additional PTO accruals.
• Merchandise discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice.
• Access to Colleague Resource Groups and volunteer opportunities.
• Continuous learning and leadership development programs.

Schedule

This role may require a flexible schedule based on department and company needs, including attendance at market appointments when needed.