Merchandise Planner

About the role

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving the financial planning process in support of the merchant strategy and company goals. The Planner builds and presents pre-season financial plans using customer analytics that support the merchant's vision at a category/channel level. They are also responsible for effectively distorting the business for assigned product category by identifying opportunities and risks through monthly in-season forecast updates.

Responsibilities

• Build annual sales, margin, and inventory plans for assigned category
• Accountable for delivering solid annual financial plans and strategies in accordance with the Product Lifecycle Calendar (PLC) meeting cadence
• Initiate and own plan discussions and development and prepare the cross-functional team for milestone meetings
• Prepare and present season/class plans through: research and analysis of data, appropriate interpretation of historical data, trend analysis, work with pricing and promotions team, and collaboration with cross-functional partners that support total company financial goals
• Develop monthly reforecast of sales, margin and inventory plans
• Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities and to make recommendations for action
• Discuss and communicate forecast with team and hold merchant partners accountable for results
• Create and maintain strong partnerships

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in retail planning/allocation is required
• Experience in retail planning/allocation is required, with 2+ years of experience
• Working knowledge of computers with high level of proficiency in excel, word, and database warehouse tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills
• Proactive, curious, independent and critical thinker with ability to work in team-oriented environment
• Ability to develop strong, effective cross-functional relationships
• Ability to confidently assert his/her position, while using facts and data to support conclusions and recommendations
• Open and agile to change – flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Influencing skills – ability to package and present analysis and recommendations to leadership of varying levels

Qualifications

• Education/Skills and Experience Requirements

Education/Skills and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required. Experience 2+ years of retail planning/allocation experience is required. Working knowledge of computers with high level of proficiency in excel, word, and database warehouse tools. Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills. Proactive, curious, independent and critical thinker with ability to work in team-oriented environment. Ability to develop strong, effective cross-functional relationships. Ability to confidently assert his/her position, while using facts and data to support conclusions and recommendations. Open and agile to change – flexible and adaptable to changing priorities. Influencing skills – ability to package and present analysis and recommendations to leadership of varying levels.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Proactive, curious, independent and critical thinker
• Ability to work in team-oriented environment
• Ability to confidently assert his/her position, while using facts and data to support conclusions and recommendations
• Open and agile to change – flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Influencing skills – ability to package and present analysis and recommendations to leadership of varying levels

Benefits

Annual Salary: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00
This position is eligible for an annual incentive compensation based on company performance.

Pay

Annual Salary: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

Schedule

Regular/Full time