***This is a hybrid role based in Hoffman Estates, IL*** The Associate Planner position serves as planning support for specific product categories. This role is responsible for supporting the creation of channel level sales and receipt plans and forecasting KPI’s. The Associate planner is responsible for analyzing data, correlating historical and current trends to support forward reforecasting, supporting the planning team through regular analysis and review of risks and opportunities. This position supports the planning team by working concurrently across multiple seasons to optimize inventory and sales to achieve financial results. •Support the creation of the OTB aspect of the business preparing forecasts and evaluating performance. Protect Claire’s interests while maximizing profitability and minimizing liabilities •Support the creation of business plans on the category level by month with the departmental goals and top-line targets of divisional financial plans •Support the management of OTB and contribute at monthly business meetings to provide information and strategic initiatives of specific classes/categories. •Review and analyze data to help inform recommendations and reforecasting •Analyze and prepare hindsight documents to measure past performance to inform future planning & buys. Attend and actively participate in hindsight meetings, where Merchandising presents sales and inventory results, relate performance to the original departmental strategy resulting in recommendation for future actions. •Prepare, update, and distribute key daily/weekly reports •Support the merchandising team with pricing and promotions based on weekly analysis against plans and forecasts •Collaborate and partner with Merchandising to formulate pre-season sales/GM/Inventory flow goals that tie to the topline benchmark metrics, grow/maintain/downtrend strategies and support in presenting financial strategies to upper management •Partner with Merchandising to build assortment strategies that tie to topline metrics. Support merchandising team in pulling analysis to support key assortment and investment strategies. •Manage good cross-functional relationships to support the management of the day-to-day business from a pricing/ promotion and inventory/sales/GM perspective as well as make recommendations on strategies to improve the business •Own becoming proficient in Arthur planning system for usage on team; work with the Planning Manager & Planner on other new tools for the team, acting as a point-person for the tools. •Provide direct support to the Planning and Merchandising team on all planning functions and initiatives. EDUCATION •Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience ESSENTIAL CRITERIA & SKILLS: •Minimum 1 year of merchandising, retail buying, planning experience •Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment •Analytical with ability to synthesize data and draw conclusions and recommendations •Understanding of retail math skills and merchandise planning •Strong organizational, planning, and written and verbal communication skills •Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team •Sense of urgency with demonstrated success in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment •Flexibility and the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables •Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting •Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel) COMPETENCIES •DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations. •LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve. •ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace. •CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset, and inspires others. Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. The Claire's Experience. We’re a global brand powerhouse for self - expression. We are dedicated to making this happen through our products, experiences and most importantly, our people. A Message from CEO, Ryan Vero: Our mission of being a brand powerhouse for self-expression starts with us. We’re proud to say that 45% of our top executive team is female, and 55% of our global population, vice president and above, is female or diverse. By fully embracing the diversity of our global workforce, we inspire innovation and create better experiences for our people and our consumers. Do work that inspires. We’re passionate about our purpose. We bring joy by opening the door to self-discovery. Every day, we get to encourage and celebrate self-expression with each accessory choice and piercing decision we help our customers make. We think that today – more than ever – encouraging others to freely express their many sides is a pretty great thing to be a part of. Play as a team. We support each other and strive to make personal connections. Because treating each other with respect helps us achieve our individual and common goals. Encouraging our team members to forge their own way is key to what makes us stronger and more innovative as an organization. Be true to you. The real you is inspirational, and that’s who we want you to be at Claire’s. We want you to #bethemost - the most you. When you feel free to show up as the real you, it encourages others to do the same. You make a difference just by being who you are. Every day, we have the opportunity together to promote an inclusive and diverse culture that makes us all richer. Evolve yourself. We want you to be the most you possible. But just as our styles evolve, so do we. That’s why we encourage you to keep growing, changing and reinventing yourself. Helping you grow and achieve your aspirations is important to us. We are proud of our many employees who have moved across and through the organization, taking on new opportunities and inspiring us all to dream and achieve. Claire's Values Learn more about our company and values @ Claire's Values Available Roles We have sales associate, part-time manager, assistant manager, and manager roles available in store. We also have district and regional sales leadership roles as well as corporate roles. Learn more via Job Search.