Overview

The Manager, Merchandise Planning will be responsible for directing and overseeing the plan and forecast processes for Aéropostale’s business to insure company financial objectives are achieved. The Manager will provide strategic and analytical support to merchandising and production through all phases of product life cycle (pre season, product development, and in season) and will partner with cross functional business partners to insure sales, gross margin, and key investment goals are achieved. This position will also be responsible for the management of the merchandise planning team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of the financial objectives of each area through accurate and proactive management and forecasting of sales, mark-up and markdowns, inventory levels and margin goals• Develop and deliver merchandise analysis to inform and guide executive decision making, including weekly markdown decisions and promotional events• Partner with allocation on the timing and quantity of new and existing product to flow into the stores• Interact on a regular basis with the merchants and allocation teams directing the strategic financial plans by category• Develop and ensure compliance of planning process improvements, standardizations and best practices• Lead cross functional teams - develop and implement new business process• Provide high-level analysis and business reports to company executives, including • Lead and manage planning team – provide training and career development. Ensure departmental goals are achieved

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in full life cycle inventory planning environment with prior manager level experience preferred

• Strong leadership presence at all levels; demonstrated experience leading a team through change in strategy or company direction

• Collaborative in approach, able to develop successful business relationships across the organization

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to analyze situations and make recommendations that are consistent with company vision

• Experience building strong teams while developing and transforming talent

• Experience in working in high volume, fast paced, specialty retail environment

• E-Commerce experience preferred

• Travel may be required, based on business needs.

• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.

• Must have authorization to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day

• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day

• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods

• Ability to reach at or below shoulder level

• Ability to carry equipment, move boxes/samples, etc.

Requirements & EEO Statement

The salary range for this position is $125,000- 140,000 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 here: https://sparcbenefits.com/Candidate-Benefits-Highlights 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 (“Protected Characteristics”). The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).