Merchandise Planner

Job description

Overview

General Summary

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing financial merchandise plans for multiple categories that tie to strategic and financial goals to maximize gross margin dollars while managing merchandise inventory investments via Open to Buy.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic

Assist merchant team in the development of strategy Manage product life cycle through appropriate financial plans Manage the merchandise inventory investment process via Open to Buy Determine how and when to invest inventory, thereby creating purchase requirements Communicate purchase orders to vendors and manage incoming inventory timing and receipt Out of stock analysis and prevention Trouble-shoot and solve problems Work closely with merchants/allocation team to ensure smooth flow of product to support sales

Analytical

Translate verbal strategies into numerically quantifiable plans for each merchandising category, insuring they tie to financial goals Weekly sales, stock and margin analysis. Reforecast departmental and item numbers to identify additional opportunities or risks vs. the plan Provide performance data by assortment tier

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

Ability to understand strategy and implications to planning and operations Strong math and precise analytical skills Strong critical thinking skills with attention to detail Understanding of cross-functional implications in decisions Ability to promptly assimilate numerical data Excellent collaboration and persuasion skills Ability to present contrasting point of view with factual data Ability to compromise and support decisions that are contrary to their recommendations Ability to prioritize on extremely tight time deadlines Willingness and ability to understand big picture goals Excellent project management abilities Understanding of Omni channel retail Strong communication skills within a diverse team Proficient in MicroStrategy Highly systems literat Experienced with Excel

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred; additional years of retail experience can be a substituteMust have 1+ years of retail experience buying/planning experience preferred

Working Conditions

Normal; no adverse or hazardous conditions

This Role is eligible for REMOTE work