Merchandising Planner

About the role

Manages a subset of a merchandising category and selects items for product line review in partnership with merchants. Optimizes assortment using data and financial projections. Works with respective merchandising teams to implement appropriate supplier strategies.

Responsibilities

• Inputs and maintains data in various merchandising systems.
• Analyzes financial data and takes measurements to forecast growth and merchandising opportunities.
• Reviews competitive market data for assigned merchandising categories.
• Performs various administrative duties, including managing the SKU life cycle, preparing for vendor meetings, maintaining vendor contact information and inquiries, and performing ad hoc projects as assigned.
• Assists merchant team with product category management, including managing category subsets. Works with merchants to resolve issues.
• Produces reports and analyses for vendor meetings and negotiations.
• Conducts root cause analysis for variation between supply and demand forecasts and collaborates with internal departments to recommend solutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates skill in data analysis techniques by resolving missing/incomplete information and inconsistencies/anomalies in more complex research/data.
• Nature of work requires increasing independence; receives guidance only on unusual, complex problems or issues.
• Work review typically involves periodic review of output by a supervisor and/or direct customers of the process.
• May provide general guidance/direction to or train junior level support or professional personnel.

Education and experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline.
• Generally 2-5 years of experience in a related field OR MS/MA and generally 2-4 years of experience in a related field.
• Certification is required in some areas.

Work environment

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.