Senior Assortment Planner [AQ-12264]

Aquent is proud to partner with a global leader in the retail and consumer goods industry, renowned for its innovative products and strong brand presence. This organization is at the forefront of consumer trends, shaping the future of its market through strategic vision and cutting-edge execution. Join a dynamic team at a world-renowned consumer brand and play a pivotal role in shaping the product landscape, directly influencing what consumers see and buy.

Responsibilities

• Build style-level seasonal assortment plans grounded in financial, product, and inventory targets.
• Develop bottoms-up forecasts for sales, margin, and inventory across monthly and seasonal horizons.
• Apply statistical forecasting and data-driven methods to improve planning accuracy and decision-making.
• Perform variance analysis between forecasts, actuals, and financial plans; identify risks and opportunities.
• Own open-to-buy and in-season optimization inputs to support inventory and supply decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, finance, supply planning, and product teams.
• Present forecasts, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership forums.
• Translate complex data into clear, compelling business narratives that influence decisions.
• Continuously refine planning assumptions based on performance, trends, and marketplace signals.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in retail, apparel, footwear, or consumer goods planning.
• Strong experience in assortment planning and/or merchandise financial planning.
• Proven ability in forecasting (statistical and/or data-driven approaches).
• Hands-on experience building financial, sales, and inventory plans.
• Advanced Excel modeling skills.
• Experience conducting variance analysis and developing actionable insights.
• Ability to influence stakeholders using data-driven storytelling.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Skills

• Experience in fast-paced, global retail or consumer brand environments.
• Exposure to open-to-buy planning, seasonal line planning, or in-season optimization.
• Familiarity with modern planning/analytics tools (e.g., planning platforms, BI tools).
• Strong interest in consumer behavior, product trends, and marketplace dynamics.
• Experience working in highly cross-functional planning organizations.

About You

• A strong analytical thinker with deep business acumen.
• Comfortable translating data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Collaborative and effective in matrixed, cross-functional environments.
• Confident presenting insights to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Highly detail-oriented while maintaining a strategic view of the business.
• A proactive problem-solver who challenges assumptions and improves planning outcomes.
• Someone who thrives in fast-moving, performance-driven environments.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.

Our client is a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, focusing on innovation, performance, and marketing. They partner with top athletes and teams, emphasizing sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.