Job description
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for pre- and in-season planning of sales and inventory. This includes planning inventory to hit target in-stock levels while minimizing overstocks, tracking & reporting results to management and working closely with cross-functional teams to maximize the business. They are also expected to use analytics to solve complex problems as well as mentoring their associate planner.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Take a leading role in managing inventory and work toward creating a collaborative, innovative and results-oriented environment with cross-functional teams. Balance workload priorities across in-season and pre-season planning deliverables to ensure successful execution of inventory management (including buy planning, pre-season forecasting and bi-weekly re-forecasting). Reconcile top-down & bottoms-up department plans to division plans and forecasts. Analyze pre-season plan and merchandising strategies for significant changes against last year. Create category level quarterly hindsight reports to drive strategic assortment decisions for future quarters and in-season management. Own and drive the OTB actualization process on a monthly basis. Identify and communicate tool and process improvement opportunities to the Manager of Merchandise Planning. Provide support to leadership on special projects as needed.
REQUIREMENTS Minimum education and experience required Bachelors degree required (in Business or Finance preferred). Minimum of 4 years of retail apparel planning and OTB management experience Skills Required Strong Microsoft Excel skills. Strong analytical skills and ability to understand financial metrics and reporting. Detail oriented. Ability to problem solve and make effective decisions. Cultivate strong working relationships across multiple cross-functional partners to ensure business success. Demonstrates an ability to set objectives and goals and organize work appropriately to meet and exceed his/her goals. Anticipate risks and identify contingency plans and processes to prevent disruptions when risks occur. Demonstrate strong listening, written and oral communication skills.