Senior Merchandise Planner
The Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving Pre-Season and In-Season financial plans and forecasts for multiple departments/divisions at the vendor/category/classification level. This individual is responsible for developing and presenting financial plans and forecasts that align to the merchandise strategy to maximize sales, profit and inventory. The Senior Planner is a key stake-holder and will partner with DMMs, Buyers, Vendors and cross-functional teammates -- leveraging analytics and formulating strategies to drive business across both store and online channels. This position will report into the VP of Inventory Planning and has one direct report.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and communicate pre-season plans and manage in-season forecasts that support divisional strategies
- Partner with divisional counterparts on OTB process and present monthly to Senior Leadership team
- Manage and reconcile tops down to bottoms up financial plans
- Ensure vendor and category plans appropriately capture opportunities and liabilities by channel
- Manage inventory content and ownership. Establish seasonal purchase plans by vendor/category, quantify markdown and RTV cost and timing
- Partner with merchants to lead brand sales, inventory and margin negotiations
- Partner with merchants and leadership to develop product performance reporting tools
- Perform ad hoc analysis and recommend courses of action to drive sales and profit
- Collaborate closely and build trust amongst cross-functional teams to drive for desired results
- Manage replenishment programs as needed
- Lead and inspire team and partners - contribute to environment that strengthens the organization through training & development initiatives
- Responsible for development and training of Merchandise Planner
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 5-7 years Merchandise Inventory Planning experience (buying experience & multi vendor experience a plus)
- 1-2 years supervisory experience preferred. Must possess strong people development skills
- 4-year college degree required
- Solid grasp of retail math
- Advanced knowledge of Excel with aptitude to learn new systems quickly
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret meaningful trends from quantitative and qualitative data
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with cross-functional teams
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Multi-Channel experience preferred
- Highly effective written & verbal communication skills
- Strong organization skills and a keen attention to detail