Associate Inventory Planner

POSITION TITLE: Associate Inventory Planner

POSITION SUMMARY:

Organize and execute inventory management plans for specific merchandise department(s). Ensure that the AE or Aerie customer has the product they want, when they want it, and where they need it. Manage department’s merchandise levels, by channel and store location.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support New/Remodel stores
• Assist appropriate floorset levels for specified classification using the following parameters; store size, presentation quantities, projected/actual sales volume, index, store location, and store design.
• Arrange preseason sales volume by week by channel and store by department, taking into account all variances to prior history, which may affect the business
• Support and maintain detailed weekly class dollar and unit sales at the channel and store level
• Support and maintain store volume clusters used to drive merchandise planning and inventory planning processes
• Support and maintain seasonal size profiles and pack strategies used to drive allocation processes
• Support the replenishment of store inventory levels based upon shipment received and maintain a well-balanced inventory in direct proportion to sales by channel and store.
• Understand and utilize JDA Allocation, Allocation Planning, Island Pacific, and Cognos reporting and drive improvements with the applications.
• Support location projections in season by department/class/channel/store to drive well-balanced inventory in direct proportion to sales/potential in each assigned classification to maximize volume (sales) while minimizing cost (transfers/markdowns).
• Review allocation strategies for replenishment of store inventory levels based upon shipment received (PO/Backstock) to account for substitutions, shortages, seasonality and limited store buys and make recommendations to maximize sales.
• Analyze, on an ongoing basis, unit performance for area of responsibility; review all aspects of sales performance/trends (as it pertains to style, size, color, price and floor presentation, marketing, etc.) by channel, store, store type, market area, district, and region.
• Assist conversation with cross-functional team consisting of Merchandise Planner, Buyer, and Assistant Buyer to provide recommendations and course of action.
• Assist the breakout of size purchases to properly service the customer by store.
• Assist the optimization of Pre-pack purchases to minimize Markdowns and maximize speed to market.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, or related field.
• 2 years related experience (can be through internships for recent grads)
• Knowledge of Arthur Allocation software preferred.
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting