Private Brands Planner

Private Brands Planner – Drive Strategy & Innovation!
Location: Madison, WI |Company: Certco Inc.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Do you have a passion for driving product success, analyzing trends, and shaping the future of private brands? If so, Certco Inc. is looking for a Private Brands Planner to join our dynamic Procurement team!

Why you will love:

• Be a key player in optimizing sales and inventory performance
• Collaborate with top suppliers and internal teams to drive market success
• Use cutting-edge data tools to analyze trends and forecast demand
• Competitive pay & great benefits in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute promotional strategies to maximize profitability
• Analyze consumer trends to recommend winning product assortments & pricing
• Manage vendor funding and drive category growth
• Work closely with Retailers, Category Managers, and Business Partners to expand product lines
• Maintain and adjust forecasts in SAP to ensure inventory sustainability
• Stay ahead of the game by attending industry events & store visits

Why Certco? Our role offers:

• Competitive salary with excellent opportunities for growth!
• Voted as Madison's 2024 & 2025 Top Workplace!
• Premium low-cost insurance, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability!
• Generous 401k match, profit sharing and paid time off!
• Robust wellness program with gym reimbursement, smoking cessation support, on-site flu shots, on-site fitness center and weekly on-site chiropractic care to name a few of the amenities we provide!
• Sponsorship of walks, runs, sports teams, and exciting company events like picnics, Christmas parties, and pro soccer games!
• Growing, thriving company - job security!
• Amazing company culture!

2024 & 2025 Top Workplace

Certco has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin State Journal for 2024 & 2025!
This award reflects our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Our culture, which is built on teamwork, integrity and passion, sets us apart. As we move forward, we will continue to invest in our people and maintain our top workplace status.

Job Summary

Drive item assortment, promotional strategy, and purchase demand to optimize sales and inventory performance. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure product availability aligns with market trends.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage financial budget for promotional planning
• Review industry data and insights to consumer trends presented by Business Partner regarding the product category
• Maintain strategic data modeling tools and database, develop, and recommend product, assortments, pricing, and promotional profitability
• Manage vendor funding to maximize sales and profitability
• Collaborate with CM’s, Business Partner, and Retailers to expand product categories
• Ensure new items are accurately launched on a timely basis with appropriate execution
• Adjust sales plan based on shopper and customer trends
• Maintain/adjust forecast in SAP Forecasting System for product demand to ensure sustainability of inventory through Certco and Direct Order business
• Develop strong working relationships with CM Team, Business Partner, Retailers, and Private Label Sales Team
• Visit stores and relevant Business Partner events/webinars to gain further insight on the performance of sales programs
• Is regular in attendance and complies with the Company Attendance Policy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
• An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
• Knowledge of category management, and sales principles
• Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods
• Strong people management and persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
• An analytical mind with strategic ability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Consumer focused by placing the consumer at the center of the business development decision
• Take ownership and holds themselves accountable for decisions results and overall performance of their category
• Proficiency in MS Excel and forecasting/planning system

Education and Experience

• 3-5 years of industry experience in category management, procurement, negotiation and/or related experience in a field with similar essential job duties.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or related field preferred

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.