SUMMARY The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for owning planning, forecasting, and the open to buy process for their assigned area. This includes managing and leading a team of merchandise planners in the development and preparation of merchandise preseason financial plans, merchandise in-season financial forecasts, buy plans, open to buy and ad hoc analysis. This person partners with a Divisional Merchandise Manager and is a key leader of multiple Category Management Teams, ensuring the teams are driving to company goals that align with the Joann Retail Strategy. !!The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for all merchandise planning functions for assigned area along with the management and development of their direct reports. PRINCIPAL DUTIES Owner of the open to buy process. Responsible for all merchandise planning functions including, development of annual sales, margin and inventories. Manages Open-to-Buy, with clarity on key components of basic, fashion and clearance. Resolves issues around Open-to-Buy including forecast accuracy, sell-thru, inventory concerns, selling velocity, markdown management, and any other business driving challenges. Develops, trains and coaches planning team with best practices and data driven analysis. Develops and communicates performance goals, evaluates performance and provides constructive feedback on a timely basis. Provides recommendations and feedback in all processes including forecasts reviews, strategy meetings, category management meetings, etc. Utilizes critical thinking to provide focused, data driven analysis that leads to sound business decisions. Engage executive leadership to present business strategies, financial plans, and results. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 3-4 Direct Reports who each own multiple shops within a division KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Drives performance Strategic Planning and Analysis Business Acumen Analytical Capability Communication and Relationship Building Teamwork Demonstrates Accountability Drives Change Shows Courage Develops Talent Practices Candor Thinks Critically Manages Execution Service Oriented Takes Initiative Experience with MS Office programs, specifically Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint Experience with inventory management: merchandising and planning functions Knowledge of replenishment, forecasting, and allocation fundamentals Supervisory experience working with multiple direct reports Team player with excellent communication skills, knowledge of retail industry, analytical skills, financial acumen, independent decision making, problem identification, and resolution skills Ability to execute initiatives and balance priorities, results driven and sales focused, organized with an ability to prioritize a variety of tasks EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Education Minimum: 4 Year / Bachelors Degree Education Preferred: Graduate Degree / Quantitative undergrad (e.g. statistics, business) and/or MBA Experience Minimum: 5 Years Manager Experience / Retail experience in merchandising, space planning, inventory management or finance. 2 - 3 years of supervisory experience Experience Preferred: 5 Years Retail Experience / Merchandising, space planning, inventory management or finance. 5 years of supervisory experience This position will be located at: 5555 Darrow Road Hudson, OH 44236 JOANN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. JOANN is an at-will employer, which means that your employment may be terminated by JOANN or yourself with or without notice or cause unless the at-will arrangement is modified by a written agreement signed by both you and and authorized representative of JOANN.