What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandise Planning Director position at Guitar Center Stores, Inc.?
The Director of Merchandise Planning will strategically lead and direct Music & Arts' inventory management, store replenishment, and Open to Buy processes for both "for sale" and "rental fleet" inventory across all categories. In collaboration with the Vice President of Merchandising, this position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive business strategies aimed at driving sales, margin, rental volume, and inventory efficiency, ultimately generating increased profit and cash flow in a multi-channel product and services environment. This individual will provide leadership and direction for the Traditional Planning, Rental Planning, Store Replenishment, and Order Management Teams.
Essential Functions (not all-inclusive):
- Oversee the inventory management processes to meet and exceed company sales, margin, and inventory efficiency objectives. Develop and implement strategies and supporting tactics to ensure best-in-class inventory management methodologies in demand planning, assortment planning, merchandise financial planning, vendor performance management, and store replenishment.
- Lead the Open to Buy process in line with leadership's direction. Provide guidance to the team, communicate weekly updates, and conduct monthly OTB reviews.
- Ensure readiness for rental seasons and market-level availability of instruments, accessories, and print aligned with unique educator preferences.
- Improve rental fleet utilization by balancing new inventory purchases, accurately forecasting for the Refurbishment Production teams, and implementing innovative inventory exit strategies.
- Drive inventory availability for our Digital and Retail Customers by achieving and maintaining in-stock and service level targets while improving inventory efficiency through appropriate buying, exiting unproductive inventory, and partnering with our Guitar Center colleagues to balance inventory across the enterprise.
- Work alongside the Category Management team on assortment management and rationalization for proposed assortment transitions.
- Supervise the Order Management team to ensure continuous improvement in customer satisfaction for our school, retail, and digital customers. Consistently monitor order processing metrics, audit special order processes and results, and provide guidance and development to achieve proper service levels for our customers. Manage inventory responsibly.
- Act as a change agent to empower and support the team in eliminating roadblocks, identifying and discontinuing unnecessary tasks, and rejecting the status quo when it is inefficient.
- Continuously analyze macro-level business trends across channels, vendors, stores, categories, and price tiers; develop, communicate, and implement action plans to capitalize on identified opportunities and mitigate liabilities.
- Regularly communicate with merchant partners, vendor partners, and Music & Arts management about business strategies, progress, results, and action plans.
- Develop reporting and diagnostics that enable Merchants and Planners to analyze their business and refine assortments to maximize sales while improving turn, GMROI, and margin.
- Manage, coach, and develop the team.
- Ensure that remodeled and new stores are well-planned and supported to maximize business opportunities.
- Collaborate consistently with Supply Chain, Retail, Digital, School Services, FP&A, Tech, Guitar Center, and other teams to achieve the company's goals and improve efficiency.
- Create ad-hoc reporting as necessary to supplement existing company-provided reports.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
About Music & Arts
Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.
The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.
Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225 retail stores, 200 educational representatives, and 250 affiliate locations.
To join our band, you'll need the following experience:
- Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in Supply Chain and Planning or Business
- 10 years of relevant work experience (in addition to degree or years of previous experience) within Supply Chain Planning, Forecasting, or related fields
- 5 years of experience leading teams
- Advanced systems knowledge of retail multi-channel merchandise financial planning, demand planning, assortment planning, replenishment, and allocation systems.
- Advanced systems knowledge of BI and ERP systems.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, specifically with pivot tables and formulas such as v-lookups.
- Skilled proficiency in PC and Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, Outlook and Word.
- Skilled proficiency in MicroStrategy and Tableau.
Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:
For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.
Pay Rate:$150,000 - $180,000/yr depending on background and experience.
This position is eligible to participate in the Music & Arts Company bonus program based on Company performance.
The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.
With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.
Love this gig and want to apply?
Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer – minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.
Salary : $150,000 - $180,000
