What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Planner position at Crate & Barrel?
Overview
We inspire purpose-filled living that brings joy to the modern home. With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the U.S. and Canada, we achieve together, drive results and innovate to inspire. Drawn together by a shared passion for our customers and a spirit of fun, we deliver high-quality home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced and bring beauty and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.
We’re here for it. We think you should be too. We’re looking for a driven professional with an inclusive mindset to join our team as an Associate Planner on the Kitchen Utilities, Textiles, and Food categories.
The Associate Planner is responsible for the inventory strategy and financial forecasts for their segment of the business. The goal is to maximize company sales growth and profitability by working closely with the Senior Planner and merchandising team on designing and implementing thoughtful inventory and merchandise strategies that promote profitable sales growth and satisfy customer demand.
This is a hybrid position that currently works 4 days per week in the Northbrook, Illinois office.
A day in the life as an Associate Planner…
- Manage inventory strategy for product category including new product buys, reorders and markdowns
- Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department and company targetsIn collaboration with Buyers, forecast sales, margin and inventory at a category level based on changes in trend, strategy or business climate
- Lead monthly business review (OTB) to determine actions that will optimize sales and gross margin
- Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Allocation, Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and vendors to enable successful business strategies and flawless execution
- Work closely with Buyers to identify sales opportunities through effective strategic assortment planning
- Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation and cross-functional needWork with Merchant partner to develop promotional strategies to maximize profitability
- Foster a collaborative work environment within the Merchandising Department focused on distinctive product and an engaged customer experience
- Manage category planning operations, including critical deadlines, coding, hunt paths and product lead-times
What you’ll bring to the table…
- Strong financial acumen and experience analyzing data
- Support a collaborative work environment within the Merchandising Department focused on distinctive products and an engaged customer experience
- Aptitude for spreadsheet and planning tools
- Proven ability to work with attention to detail and accuracy
We’d love to hear from you if you have…
- A minimum of 2 years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying or equivalent experience
- Experience with inventory management, IT systems, product pipeline process design, and promotional strategies
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
#li-hybrid
