Planning and Allocation Manager

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Planning and Allocation, this role contributes to AEG Vision’s success with direct responsibility for demand forecasting, location planning, and sales and inventory analysis for the frame category. The manager will also be responsible for creating and implementing allocation strategies to optimize inventory placement, ROS, sales, and patient experience. Additionally, the manager will be responsible for managing business trends to identify sales and gross margin performance and capitalize on profit-driving opportunities thru close collaboration with the buying team and cross-functional partners.

Demand Planning:

• Own and lead the sales demand forecast process, delivering timely, accurate forecasts to DC and vendor partners.
• Act as the SME for assigned collections, updating forecasts to reflect the latest assortment and business changes.
• Partner closely with Buyers and DC partners to reduce backorder issues and improve in-stock rates.

Location Planning:

• Accountable for ensuring practices are at optimal inventory levels to support practices to achieve sales goals.
• Identify the potential inventory risks and take proactive actions to prevent inventory shortages.
• Leverage the merchandising system to optimize the inventory level at practices.
• Partner with the inventory control team to improve the accuracy of the inventory data.

Reporting:

• Manage key sales and inventory reports to provide team clear visibility of sales trends and inventory level.
• Provide ad hoc reporting and useful insights to Buyers to maximize company profit potential.
• Clearly and concisely communicate business performance to business leads and cross-functional partners.

Coach & Development:

• Coach and support team members, enhancing skills, performance, and professional growth.
• Lead and monitor project progress, providing regular feedback and guidance to help the team achieve business objectives.

Qualifications:

• College Degree is preferred and/or a strong track record of achievement in merchandise planning over a period of 4 or more years.
• Advanced Excel skills for analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
• Proven ability to own complex projects with limited supervision and influence business decisions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain a strategic, big-picture perspective.
• Optical retail experience preferred but not required
• Has a track record of being analytical, technical and system savvy
• Must have a demonstrated awareness and track record of understanding how merchandising, product assortments and field management all work together cohesively.
• Ability to identify, introduce and implement new process improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence.