Department: Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A)
Reports To: Director, Planning
Job Details:

• The Merchandise Planner is a leader within the Planning organization.
• The ability to influence both peers and managers is critical for success in this role.
• Merchandise Planners are accountable for analysis of in-season business and the development of future financial strategies that support financial goals.
• Through their analysis and development of financial strategies, the Planner will collaborate with Merchandising, Production, Deployment and Demand Planning.

• Empowered to make decisions in partner with their leader while also balancing input from cross-functional team members
• Analyze business performance and make recommendations that will maximize sale, profitability, and inventory and mitigate risk – weekly/monthly for MPC.
• Revise plans based on actual results for all planning metrics.
• Partner with merchants and planning leadership on seasonal strategy.
• Develop mark down strategies to optimize sell thru and profitability
• Forward planning – highlight risks and opportunities based on fact-based assortment analytics.
• Support creation of financial decks with commentary for key business meetings (i.e., MPC, Buy Review and Hindsight)
• Improve capabilities around analytics, conclusions, recommendations, to assist in driving key milestone meetings to conclusion with improved communication and influence.
• Plan and manage back orders, returns and cancelations. To include BORIS/SOOS impacts on plans and results.
• Manage greige/fabric positioning and liability in conjunction with Production
• Maintain and take accountability for delegated tasks
• Leverage experience in role to mentor and assist Associate/new Merch Planners in thought process and planning methodologies
• Assist Management with special projects and initiatives
• Participate in multi-level meetings
• Build and evolve R&R/speed calendars with Production partnership applicable to category
• Leader/shadow for the floor (build organizational influence)

• Bachelor’s Degree, in Business, Finance, Operations or Statistics. Advanced degree in quantitative analysis, finance or business administration preferred.
• 3 - 5 years of retail merchandise planning; inventory management; financial planning or financial analysis experience
• Very strong numbers aptitude (statistical/accounting experience/analysis experience)
• Proficient with forecasting methodologies and statistical modeling
• Strong communication and presentation skills concisely presents complex information/recommendations in terms meaningful to various audiences
• Ability to advance to high levels of computer literacy; exposure to relevant planning, finance, analytical, data management systems: Unit Flow Demand Projection System; Microsoft Office Suite; Excel Add-In; MicroStrategy and Essbase
• Analytical thinker - problem solver
• Strong collaboration skills needed
• Management experience a plus, but not required
• Adapts to situational demands, flexible
• Strong organizational skills, multi tasked oriented
• Proficient in Excel and MicroStrategy
• Attention to detail, accuracy, disciplined to check work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Communicate to all levels with a clear, concise point of view, both verbally and in writing
• Strong Presentation skills
• Assess and identify risks and opportunities
• Dedicated, self-motivated
• Ability to motivate people
• Team Player
• Experience in Digital planning tools

About the Company:
Horizontal Talent