Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Director - International Merchandise Planning
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of International Merchandise Planning serves as a member of the International leadership Team and assists in guiding the business to meet and exceed sales and profit objectives aligned to the Company Strategy. This leader will work closely with the international leadership team, global buying, supply chain and merchandising to ensure merchandise availability and continually improving margins across all International locations and channels. This role will be responsible for planning all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for all divisions/departments/ brands/ channels within our wholly-owned businesses.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all merchandise planning and inventory planning processes including preparing pre-season original plans with financial sales, IMU, markdown, merchandise margin, and inventory targets consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs.
• Continuously improve and manage the MPC process for International to communicate and align on financial merchandising plans and strategies to support the financial objectives.
• Oversee the development and execution of all financial sales, inventory and markdown plans for International wholly-owned areas.
• Propose and monitor annual sales and margin budgets and rolling forecasts with Central FP&A and International leadership.
• Work closely with the Global Buying Team to review in season product trends and performance, develop revised projections, and recommend adjustments to the season's plan to maximize sales and profitability.
• Establish and activate a planning and allocation team structure that supports the international vision of growth through strong fundamental skills, business acumen, and executive presence.
• Builds, develops, coaches, and mentors talent within the team, to drive a high-performance organization.
• Guides and executes all merchandise planning and inventory planning related analytical activities including developing and interpreting merchandise key operational metrics to drive process improvements resulting in increased productivity and efficiencies.
• Work with merchandising and marketing to support the development and execution of promotional strategies. Take on special projects that enhance the merchandising and planning processes and/or lead to opportunities for increased profitability.
• Complete hindsight analysis to highlight opportunities for future plans and strategies.
• Support in the development a 3-5 year, long range strategic operational plan that incorporates the financial impact of the brand strategies.
• Acts as a role model for leadership behaviors and AEO values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; Advanced degree (MBA, Master's) strongly preferred.
• 10 years of related senior planning experience leading teams in multi-store/multi-channel/specialty retail brands is required, with experience outside of the United States a strong plus.
• Deep understanding of the buying and planning cycle and merchandising/planning ecosystem.
• Impeccable verbal/written communication and persuasion skills; proven ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Extremely strong business acumen and strategic agility; demonstrated ability to immediately identify areas of the business that need attention, as well as areas that do not; proven ability to support growth in a very fast growing and evolving business environment.
• Comfortable and effective when working with senior executives, including C-level.
• Experience working in matrixed organizational structures is a plus, with a high level of organizational agility, strategic agility, and interpersonal savvy.
• International travel is an absolute requirement.
• Ability to work outside of standard U.S. business hours.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
• Position must be based in Pittsburgh, New York, or Mexico City.

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

About Us
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a portfolio of unique, loved and enduring brands with merchandise assortments that consist of high-quality, on-trend apparel, intimates, activewear, accessories, and personal care products.

AEO operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries.
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.