Merchandise Planning Manager

THE POSITION  As Planning Manager (Full-time Salaried/Exempt), you will partner with Partner with Product teams to maximize sales, profitability, and return on our inventory investment for specific business units. Jointly own with the Buying department planned inventory, turnover, and SKU goals, as well as work with Buying team to plan and manage the assortment architecture by category.   Primary Duties & Responsibilities:   Strategic Responsibilities:  Partner with Planning Director and Purchasing VP to achieve goals and growth areas within assigned business units. Develop location inventory, margin and SKU count plans at the department level that tie to the Inventory Financial plans. Lead strategies to maximize sales and improve inventory efficiency that tie to financial targets. Build strong relationships with Product and Buying team partners to manage product lifecycle. Partner with Replenishment to communicate trend, store need information, and OTB allowances. Develop plans for new stores, remodels, exhibits, and special events. Collaborate with peers, develop tools, share best practices, and continuously grow in systems knowledge.   Weekly / Monthly Duties:  Reforecast monthly open to buy by assessing store sales by department. Complete month-end reports and conduct a review of Sales, Inventory, and Margin variances. Strategize with Product and Buying teams regarding open-to-buy, SKU rationalization, and inventory levels. Analyze store sales trends and product performance, communicating key takeaways with appropriate partners. Execute weekly and ad-hoc reporting utilized by cross-functional teams to analyze the business. Analyze sales at the Class, Subclass, and SKU level to identify risks and opportunities with a focus on action planning. Communicate quantitative data, store needs and gaps to Buyers in a concise format for specific buying recommendations. Special projects as assigned.   Skills / Qualifications:  Three years’ experience as a Merchandise Planner or Planning Manager Bachelor’s degree in related field (economics, finance, marketing, etc.) Strong analytic, problem solving, and organizational skills Superior Excel skills Strong ability to interpret data Strong written and verbal communication skills Detail oriented, with excellent follow-through Solid understanding of common planning and forecasting processes and procedures Ability to influence people through the organization who are not direct reports   Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Merchandise Planning Manager is frequently required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to sit and work at a computer for prolonged periods of time.