Overview

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for the strategic direction of inventory based on analysis of departmental financials, historical data, and current market trends. They will manage inventory through the use of various merchandise reporting tools, ensuring top sales are being met.

Responsibilities

• Execute and communicate strategic merchandise financial plans and strategies that support the merchandising and financial objectives of the Company.• With guidance, create pre-season sales, margin and inventory plans by department, class, and/or SKU to support product and financial strategies. Review with manager.• Analyze historical data and current trends to recap business. Work to identify risks and opportunities by department and by class. In partnership with manager, create strategies to align inventory with Merchant partners.• Aware of chase/commit calendar. Partner with merchandising & manager to provide sales trend direction & inventory projections for call dates.• Develop item-level promotional and markdown strategies on a weekly basis. Partner with Merchandising & Merch Control to accuracy of system entry.• Present forecasts and action plans in open-to-buy meetings. In partnership with manager, create action plan based on forecast and lead discussions to management & cross functional teams.• Hindsight in-season & post-season performance by category. Share findings with cross functional teams.• Run & publish various weekly & ad hoc Merchandise Planning reports.• Work with all levels of Planning & Merchandising from Assistants to President-CMO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-4 years of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical experience. • Global business analysis and strategic/innovative thinking skills. • Ability to present data & influence discussion with executives, peers and members of cross-functional team.• Understanding of retail financial measurements.• Excellent attention to detail.• Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities.• Strong listening, written and oral communication skills.• Able to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microstrategy & planning tools/systems.

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Requirements & EEO Statement

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, SPARC Group, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available from our Human Resources Department. SPARC Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals in the job application and interview process. Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.