Job Description
General Summary
The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for implementing strategies that meet and exceed sales, gross margin, GMROI and inventory goals for assigned business categories. The Merchandise Planning Manager is also responsible for the successful development, execution and communication of financial and inventory plans.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Financial Planning
Manage the development of annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly merchandise plansDevelop and communicate comprehensive department financial and product strategiesReconcile top-down and bottoms-up class plans to department plans and forecastsDevelop pre-season plans and recommend purchase/investment quantities and develop accurate receipt flow forecastsManage monthly department level open-to-buy activitiesEnsure alignment of multiple class plans to department objectivesDevelop multiple class level pricing recommendations and strategies in alignment with department’s financial plansAnalyze historic performance and planned strategies to identify areas of opportunity or riskDevelop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc to support the needs of the businessProvide periodic reporting on business performance
Product Planning
Partner with Merchants to size and forecast product / brand sales and profit componentsEstablish and maintain accurate demand forecasts and execute managing / anticipating product changes, promotions, etc.Manage inventory plans from investment through allocation execution, including ongoing evaluation and updatesActively participate in assortment development and review, providing data and analysis to support decision-makingCollaborate on best strategies to address product liabilities and develop action plans to liquidate in a timely and profitable mannerDevelop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc to support the needs of the businessEvaluate, analyze and report on business metrics
Business Process Management
Maintain business processes and serve as subject matter expert for process improvementsBalance workload thru multiple process steps (including buy planning, pre-release forecasting and weekly re-forecasting)Act as primary partner for buyers on planning and inventory management processes and operating modelsDevelop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc to support the needs of the business
Plan Management - Allocation
Partner with Allocations Manager to implement consistent and profitable in-season replenishment strategies and practicesLead teams in assessing and executing exceptions for in-season replenishmentDevelop department wide risk mitigation plans and execute when appropriatePartner with Allocations team to ensure right stock, right place, right quantities, right stores, right timeDevelop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc to support the needs of the business
Other Duties as Required
Requirements
Skills Required:
- Analytic Skills: Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from quantitative and qualitative data
- Financial and Business Acumen: Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable information to drive results; proficiency in retail math
- Problem Solving & Decision Quality: Able to use rigorous logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions
- Relationship Management: Able to build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners
- Presentation Skills: Effective in a variety of presentation settings including one-on-one, small and large groups, and with peers and bosses
- Influencing and Negotiation: Can present ideas and directions that lead others to action
- Planning and Priority Setting: Demonstrate an ability to set objectives and goals and organize work appropriately to meet and exceed goals
- Process Management: Can identify and articulate the processes necessary to get things down efficiently and align resources effectively complete activities
- Systems and Tools Acumen: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and have aptitude to learn technical applications quickly
- Risk Management: Anticipate risks and identifies contingency plans and processes to prevent disruptions when risks occur
- Possess strong organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 5-7 years work experience, in Merchandise Planning
- 3 years of supervisory experience, preferred
