VP of Planning

Come work for us! We are looking for dedicated employees to join our team to help our customers have the best experience possible every time they enter a JD Finish Line store. Our employees are key to our success. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the VP of Planning will work directly with the SVP of Planning & Allocation to develop and evolve the financial strategies for the merchant organization. In addition, the VP Planning will work collaboratively with senior management of JD Finish Line and will be expected to provide guidance and direction reflecting good business judgment, customer insight, strategic vision and expertise. This leader will effectively exhibit JD Finish Line’s core values of Customer, People, Winning, Community, and Financial Responsibility in everything they do by performing the following key duties: Serves as the leader of all short and long term strategic merchandise planning functions, inclusive of management over the full planning department Infuses best-in-class planning disciplines, processes, tools and capabilities into the organization; building an outstanding team of planning talent that is recognized internally and externally as a contributor to JD Finish Line’s success. Directs merchandise/forecasting plans and projections, in partnership with Buying & Merch Analytics teams to drive sales ensure company sales goals are achieved. Directs key planning decisions that impact the organization’s ability to execute on strategic goals. Teaches, coaches, and mentors the Planning team, while developing a bench of future leaders. Works cross-functionally with digital and store teams to ensure alignment in planning decisions Works cross-functionally with multiple departments org wide, including Supply Chain, IT, Property, Finance and others, ensuring alignment on key financial and technological decision making, and downstream impacts. Works closely with and collaborates in influence with their leadership peers in Allocation, analytics and space to accomplish short and long term goals, while ensuring consistent messaging from all teams within the organization. Effectively communicates vision which enables and inspires others to achieve more, while being a champion for change and driving continuous improvement. Oversees the accuracy of the forecasting methods employed within the department for Retail Sales, G.M. % and Markdown allowances. Ensures through the merchandising staff that the web and stores Inventory levels are at appropriate levels to deliver the sales/profitability requirements. Monitors that New/Remodeled stores are opening with the proper assortments and product levels to achieve/exceed their profit plan. Works with the SVP of Planning & Allocation to develop top line merchandise plans to be executed/managed by the Product Planner/Merchandiser team(s). Develops & leads strategies to ensure JD Finish Line is remaining competitive in the industry with the necessary tools & approaches needed to manage and deliver the Sales, G.M.% and Markdown allowances accurately, i.e. KIP’s, DOS’, Departmental Link Sheets. Partner with VP of Allocation and DMM in defining and leading the department's financial strategy and setting direction for the team. Relies extensively on experience and judgment to lead the team to accomplishing financial goals. Support corporate goals and initiatives to drive sales, margin and productivity while managing inventory targets and ensuring proper communication. Directs pre-season sales, inventory and selling margin components at the chain, division, department, monthly level utilizing historical data, go forward strategy and merchant vision. Directs team to properly apply knowledge of business trends, new product introductions, promotional calendar, calendar shifts and cost structure into building pre-season plans. Strategize and provide direction to the team on balancing the risk versus reward on new opportunities and product introductions. Provide guidance to the team and monitor inventory results as related to assortments, store’s capacity, promotional strategy, managing in-stock levels and ensure monthly and seasonal product stories are executed properly in the stores & on-line. Set and maintain balanced inbound and outbound inventory flow within the division to avoid fluctuation to plans; ensuring proper strategy is in place to deliver results. Support stores and distribution centers by ensuring timely and adequate flow of product. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Additional duties and projects as required. Required Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and at least 10 - 12 years’ experience in retail Planning and Allocation role in a leadership capacity, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Internal JD Finish Line experience strongly preferred. Required Computer and/or Technical Skills Should have advanced knowledge and abilities with Microsoft Excel & other merchandising software. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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. Sit for more than 6 hours per shift Use hands to finger, handle and feel Reach with hands and arms Talk and/or hear Walk or move from one location to another Occasionally may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company’s policies are required for the position. Average work week is 45 - 55 hours, which can vary depending on business need. The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting. Up to 15% time traveling (by air or land). The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy. #LI-DNI 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. The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy. EEOC Statement: The Finish Line, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local EEO laws. The Finish Line, Inc. prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on the individual's race or color, religion or creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, sex, pregnancy status, age, military status, disability, or any other protected characteristic or class protected by law. The Finish Line, Inc. provides reasonable accommodation for disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Need accessibility assistance to apply? Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application can either call Finish Line at (317) 613-6890 or email us at talentacquisition@finishline.com. A member of our Talent Acquisition team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. (This email address and phone number is only for individuals seeking accommodation when applying for a job.) We are Finish Line, Inc., a premium retailer of the latest shoes, apparel, and accessories. Headquartered in Indianapolis, with a digital office in Boulder, there are about 970 Finish Line locations primarily in U.S. malls and shops inside Macy’s department stores. We employ more than 14,000 store associates who are experts in style, and passionate about everything sneaker culture. At JD Finish Line, our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion is louder than words. As part of JD Finish Line’s commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, & inclusive organization, we established voluntary, employee-led, Employee Resource Groups to support our Diversity & Inclusion mission and goals. We have also established a D&I Council composed of individuals throughout the company who are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds are free to be their authentic selves. We listen to the voices of our team members, which holds us accountable in creating an equitable and successful company. Together, we are stronger.