Job description
Job Description
The Retail Planner drives sales plan through a consistent focus on studying the business, monitoring inventory and sales performance, and providing analysis necessary to bring in new products to fit the needs of the customer. Track sales performance of existing products and assist in the determination of next steps; this includes developing in-season forecasts and future merchandise plans for a given gender / class. Work closely with Merchandising and Allocations, to optimize store assortments. Ensure that the merchandise financial targets are met including tracking and managing the open-to-buy sales and inventory.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS
- Manage the OTB sales and inventory at brand level and ensure that the merchandise targets will be met on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
- Participate in weekly / monthly in-season forecast and OTB meetings
- Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities; compare sales data of the planned gender / category to company sales and provide action plans to reconcile deviations
- Partner with the Merchants to actively manage inventory levels by increasing and decreasing inventory, and/or cancelling orders
- On a monthly and quarterly basis, recap and report back on the sales and inventory results to plan, and LY, and forecast in-season sales and inventory
- Review orders with in-store date 30 days out to identify any changes required. Prioritize key styles/categories for delivery. Ensure pre-allocations meet store/cluster targets
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Strong aptitude with numbers and clear understanding of retail math
- Strong organizational skills - ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate persuasively, influentially, and responsibly across a cross-functional team
- Excels in team environments and in building / developing strong interpersonal relationships, while maintaining an individual determination to accomplish goals
- Passionate about customer service (internal)
- Driven to excel and succeed, taking full ownership of his or her success
- Problem Solving
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 3 years Merchandise Planning experience in retail
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Advanced computer skills (Excel - pivot tables/v-lookups/etc., Word, Internet)
This is a freelance position, Monday - Friday (9am-6pm)
Will be about 6 months but could be longer
