What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Planner – Lodge position at DICK'S Sporting Goods?
The ideal candidate for this role is passionate about the outdoors, consumer behavior, has a taste level that can identify trends in their specific product line/category and acts with purpose first. Communication and cross-functional collaboration are critical skills needed for success in this role. This candidate will need to balance strategic thinking with the ability to effectively execute.
Lead the development and implementation of Allocation and Replenishment strategies in collaboration with the AR Managers, Merchandise Planners and Buyers in our most complex businesses. These strategies will determine how to most effectively utilize our inventory to support the merchandise plan, advertising, regional, and competitive initiatives. Build new store plans and ensure that new stores open with the correct assortments and appropriate inventory levels. Actively mentor members of the team in both system and process. Be the subject matter expert on all systems and processes used within the AR division.
Qualifications
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Create merchandise allocation and replenishment buy strategies in partnership with Buyers, Merchandise Planners, and distribution centers. Leverage systems to most effectively increase inventory productivity in all deciles through analysis and collaboration with business partners. Allocate and write replenishment purchase orders for complex business categories.
- Maintain proper inventory levels by store location to support sales, margin and turn goals.
- Lead meetings with Buyers and Merchandise Planners on item flow (i.e. ladder plans, backstock management, replenishment forecasts, OTB, and advertising schedule) and determine actions to correctively solve any issues. Partner with appropriate team members to execute the recommendations. Actively participate in line review meetings, providing insight into what is working, what is not working, regional and seasonal opportunities for business, etc.
- Manage and oversee item eligibility through the Item Eligibility (ITEL) application. Work with team members to ensure proper assortment within allocation systems and instock reporting based on climate, regionality, seasonality, etc.
- Manage and oversee cluster creation for all businesses.
- Create financial inventory target and merchandise assortment plans for new stores.
- Monitor new store performance after opening, communicate with new store team and field support team to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained.
- Ensure new stores open with the correct assortment and appropriate inventory levels as determined by the new store plan.
- Collaborate with AR Manager to develop a high level inventory strategy.
- Utilize knowledge of customer needs/wants to implement system settings, processes, and procedures that maximize the experience of internal and external customers, both in-store and through our omni-channel operations.
- Create ad-hoc analysis to react to current and future business trends and present findings to Buyers, Merchandise Planners, and senior management. Collaborate with the stores and distribution centers on inventory strategies to support the business.
- Research and respond to store merchandise needs and wants.
- Participate in Regional and Store specific conference calls to identify store needs and opportunities. Develop action plan to resolve these needs and capitalize on opportunities.
- Build relationships with vendors in order to lead conversations regarding replenishment needs, current performance, opportunities for efficiencies, etc.
- Train and mentor new hires into Assistant Inventory Planner roles. Be the system expert and share experimental knowledge with the members of the team. Participate in special projects, key initiatives, and system updates as requested by AR Manager.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s Degree
Experience Requirement
- 5 Years
- 3 years business experience (Retail buying, planning or allocations preferred).
- Candidates with other applicable experience may also be considered.
Technological Requirements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Advanced level Excel skills (Vlookups, pivot tables, advanced formula calculations)
- JDA Allocations and/or E3 experience a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional mathematical skills
- Exceptional communications skills
- Training experience required
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