Group Planner - Merchandise Financial Planning

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of strategic merchandise plans that align with company goals
• Develop and manage pre-season and in-season merchandise financial plans including sales, markdowns, margins, inventory, and open-to-buy
• Reforecast financial plans based on performance trends and market dynamics
• Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities
• Provide insights on category performance, sales trends, and inventory productivity
• Partner with buyers, location planners, and allocation teams to align financial plans with assortment strategies
• Prepare and present financial reports, analysis and recommendations to senior leadership
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend actions to optimize stock-to-sales ratios
• Collaborate with allocation teams to manage replenishment and ensure timely flow of merchandise
• Manage Merchandise Financial Planner(s) and/or Associate Merchandise Financial Planner(s), fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture
• Ensure team development through training, performance management, and succession planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or a related retail position
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel, planning systems and reporting tools
• Deep understanding of key retail metrics (sales, gross margin, turn, weeks of supply, open-to-buy)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines