Merchandise Planner - Loft

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America - Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Merchandise Planner (dresses/skirts)

About the role

The Merchandise Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments in a given area. Manages and plans merchandise inventory positions and markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and turnover objectives. Provides in-season financial projections and strategies. Identifies risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Drives and/or contributes to projects resulting in improved departmental systems and efficiencies.

The impact you can have

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

• Reforecast business in-season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross functional partners and senior leadership

• Develop, consolidate and communicate a comprehensive pre-season planning strategy that identifies opportunities and risks in all areas of responsibility

• Analyze:

• Promotional effectiveness and make future recommendations

• Performance in season and make markdown or chase recommendations

• Identify and communicate potential inventory liabilities and drive appropriate actions to resolution

• Partner with cross-functional teams to communicate division level financial merchandising plans and merchandise strategies to support the financial objectives

• Participate in:

• All aspects of line building process with Merchandising Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems or efficiencies

• Development of processes that build efficiencies and streamline work streams

You'll bring to the role

• BA or equivalent, and 3-5 years of retail buying, planning or financial analysis experience

• Results driven; strategic, conceptual and innovative thinker

• Expert command of retail math concepts, applications and statistical analysis

• Detail-oriented, with excellent follow-through skills

• Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work productively in a team environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications - expert level in Excel

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online)
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
• A culture of giving back - local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off - paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $85,000 - 95,000
• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in the Times Square Tower office location and two days per week worked remotely.

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Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.