Associate Merchandise Planner (RBJ/Precious Metals) - Hybrid

The Associate Planner is responsible for assisting the Global Planner in the purchasing, intake and distribution of merchandise internationally in order to maximize sales and margin within the assigned departments of responsibility. Working closely with the Planner and the Buying team, the core areas of responsibility are as follows: Trading and Planning Weekly Recaps & Analysis Monthly / Seasonal Recaps & Analysis Relationship with Team and Management The Associate Planner must ensure that they deliver on their projects in a timely manner, working with tight deadlines and delivering an outstanding service by communicating and liaising with key areas of the business, analyzing information and challenging decisions when necessary. Responsibilities: Input into pre-season assortment plan with guidance from Merchandiser and participate in department pre-season planning meetings Be fully aware of what OTB is available at all times, ensuring receipts are accurate on Arthur, highlighting to the Buyer the spend available for the assigned department Raise all orders/enquiries with the suppliers, identifying opportunities to negotiate on cost to maximize profit margin. Where necessary, seek alternative quotations to obtain the best price. Take ownership of merchandise plans and OTB. Manage sales, inventory and promotional performance to drive departmental sales more efficiently. Communicate receipt needs with Buyer and address any sales and inventory concerns with management Participate in monthly plan reviews with senior management. Lead preparations for the meeting and prepare relevant recaps for areas of responsibility Partner with Buyer and Planner in development and maintenance of Assortment Plans and any analysis required to build the assortment Review weekly sales performance at a Division/Country/Department/Class/Sku level within the assigned area of responsibility. Produce and assist with any departmental, divisional or company reports in preparation for weekly business reviews Partner with Planner and Buyer to develop and propose business strategies and actions in response to weekly/monthly/seasonal sales and margin analysis Review all replenishment; ensuring orders are aligned to forecasted sales, OTB, margin and airfreight targets. Ensure costs are negotiated to maximize profit. Review with Planner and assist/oversee Allocation Analyst with entry and execution of replenishment orders Partner with Allocation Analysts to help identify allocation needs based on review of detailed stock and sales data. Be aware of any exceptions that require attention and report any issues to Planner Manage receipts, ensuring that all orders are delivered on time and applying charges where applicable and updating systems accordingly. Attend and actively participate in weekly department & division team meetings, where Buying and Planning review sales and stocks from the previous week and compare performance to the original departmental strategy, resulting in suggested future product development, reorders, cancellations and reflowing receipts Support the Global Merchandiser in selecting lines for markdown and forecasting costs accordingly Communicate any promotions to Retail and Analytics Team for actioning. Execute systemic events for permanent markdowns and promotions Conduct store visits to obtain direct feedback relating to individual products and stock levels and highlight any changes to allocation team to enhance sales at store and company level Build and maintain effective working relationship with key partners across the business, with particular emphasis on the Buying, Retail, Branch Merchandising, Allocation and Analytics and Logistics teams Requirements: Bachelor's degree required in retail, merchandising or related field Minimum 3 years planning experience within a fast paced, corporate retailer Strong math and analytical skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Intermediate proficiency or above in Microsoft Excel Store/Retail experience a plus Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. The Claire's Experience. We’re a global brand powerhouse for self - expression. We are dedicated to making this happen through our products, experiences and most importantly, our people. A Message from CEO, Ryan Vero: Our mission of being a brand powerhouse for self-expression starts with us. We’re proud to say that 45% of our top executive team is female, and 55% of our global population, vice president and above, is female or diverse. By fully embracing the diversity of our global workforce, we inspire innovation and create better experiences for our people and our consumers. Do work that inspires. We’re passionate about our purpose. We bring joy by opening the door to self-discovery. Every day, we get to encourage and celebrate self-expression with each accessory choice and piercing decision we help our customers make. We think that today – more than ever – encouraging others to freely express their many sides is a pretty great thing to be a part of. Play as a team. We support each other and strive to make personal connections. Because treating each other with respect helps us achieve our individual and common goals. Encouraging our team members to forge their own way is key to what makes us stronger and more innovative as an organization. Be true to you. The real you is inspirational, and that’s who we want you to be at Claire’s. We want you to #bethemost - the most you. When you feel free to show up as the real you, it encourages others to do the same. You make a difference just by being who you are. Every day, we have the opportunity together to promote an inclusive and diverse culture that makes us all richer. Evolve yourself. We want you to be the most you possible. But just as our styles evolve, so do we. That’s why we encourage you to keep growing, changing and reinventing yourself. Helping you grow and achieve your aspirations is important to us. We are proud of our many employees who have moved across and through the organization, taking on new opportunities and inspiring us all to dream and achieve. Claire's Values Learn more about our company and values @ Claire's Values Available Roles We have sales associate, part-time manager, assistant manager, and manager roles available in store. We also have district and regional sales leadership roles as well as corporate roles. Learn more via Job Search.