Merchandise Planner

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Merchandise Planner serves as a business manager for categories or departments of merchandise and works as a primary partner to Merchandising to build viable plans and profitable results. The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining sales, inventory, and margin plans that tie to financial targets for the assigned divisions/departments.

Plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments pertaining to class or item level in order to maximize sales and profitability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare pre-season Original Plans; financial sales, gross margin, and inventory, consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs.

• Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly level on a seasonal basis.

• Strategize, develop and present seasonal key item plans that support sales and merchandise goals.

• Manage and plan merchandise inventory positions and markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and turnover objectives.

• Work closely with the buyer(s) to review in season product trends and performance, develop revised projections, and recommend adjustments to the season's plan to maximize sales and profitability.

• Present monthly revisions of merchandise plans to Merchandise/Planning and Allocation executives.

• Provide fiscal control through analysis and management of markdowns and purchase orders. Identify risks and opportunities to maximize profits.

• Partner with internal business partners to communicate financial merchandising plans and strategies to support the financial objectives.

• Work with merchandising and marketing to develop promotional strategies. Analyze promotional effectiveness and make future recommendations.

• Take on special projects that enhance the merchandising and planning processes and/or lead to opportunities for increased profitability.

• Complete hindsight analysis to highlight opportunities for future plans and strategies.

• Develop processes that build efficiencies and streamline work streams.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

AUTHORITY:

• Approval of purchase orders and markdowns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or equivalent required.

• Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) preferred.

• 4-5 years prior planning experience from a specialty or department store.

• In-depth knowledge of retail math concepts, applications, and statistical analysis.

• Arthur Planning experience preferred.

• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Travel is required, including the potential for international travel.

• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.

• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.

• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.

• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.

• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits

• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.

• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.