Manager, Merchandise Planning (WHBM)

Come lead with us at 11215 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL. With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, we offer diverse opportunities for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates.

About the Role

This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team, including analyzing current business trends, market feedback, and historical data to recommend course corrections and improvements. The role serves as the key liaison with the Merchant teams to develop plans that achieve agreed-upon financial targets and coaches and develops a team of Planners.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the development, analysis, and revision of category plans for sales, margin realization, inventory, and profit (top-down and bottom-up), aligning to financial strategies/targets.
• Analyzes historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities, recommending strategies to achieve financial goals.
• Recommends seasonal merchandise flow strategies that maximize sales, profitability, and customer expectations.
• Supports and leads cross-functional teams in managing opportunities and risks during critical business meetings/milestones.
• Provides analysis related to driving business goals (e.g., hindsights, color-selling) in weekly business meetings and monthly planning meetings.
• Partners with leaders to develop projected product quantity needs for mills and factories on a rolling 12-month basis.
• Drives analytical excellence by managing the development of new reporting and approaches.
• Manages information, opportunity, and risk of the business, sharing insights with leadership along with recommended solutions.
• Values individuality and diverse talents of the team, leading by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team.
• This position may be found in multiple brands, with some duties varying by brand.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of planning or financial analysis experience in specialty retail—women’s apparel strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years of merchandise planning, allocation, merchandising/buying, or financial management experience.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; proficiency in retail math, forecasting methodology, and dynamic modeling/replenishment systems.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to concisely present complex information/recommendations.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships cross-functionally and influence critical stakeholders.
• Proven track record in managing a business to achieve financial targets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and planning systems; SAP experience a strong plus.