SENIOR MERCHANDISE INVENTORY PLANNER

Title : SENIOR MERCHANDISE INVENTORY PLANNER Location : United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach Job Number : 250000OX Job Summary : Coordinates inventory flow to support merchandise and financial goals. Continuously analyzes business and recommends / implements strategies and actions to drive sales, productivity and profitability. Partners with DMM (Divisional Merchandise Manager) and challenges when business needs dictate. Leads or supervises a group of Inventory Planners and related staff. Duties and Responsibilities : INVENTORY FLOW / SUPPLY CHAIN : - Partners with Space, Financial, Forecasting and Buying teams to positively impact KPIs. - Directs the distribution of goods to sales, profitability, inventory turnover and customer satisfaction across areas of responsibility. - Determines proper ratio of DC, Store and pipeline inventory for all items; develops and modifies replenishment parameters as needed on all basic reorder items; ensures basic stock levels are consistent with approved planograms and store sizes. - Partners with Forecast Analyst to review and adjust forecast parameters for seasonal and / or advertised items. - Ensures featured product is in-stock at locations participating in advertising events. - Considers overall health of the supply chain when making business decisions; Identifies and implements supply chain efficiencies; - Actively participates in Supplier / Merchant meetings by communicating supply chain opportunities, concerns and successes, including collaboration on forecasted need. - Proactively identifies cost saving opportunities with product distribution and partners with distribution and merchant teams to implement. - Effectively communicates with internal and external customers to address in-stock and supply chain concerns or / and opportunities. - Monitors aged inventory and identifies opportunities to mitigate risk, providing recommendations to the merchants for action. - Ongoing review and maintenance of replenishment snapshot metrics to include POG Accuracy, NIS Causes and other related metrics. - Uses allocate to purchase seasonal, fashion, and promotional one time buys, ensuring adequate quantities and inventory levels meet sales demand at a location level. BUSINESS ANALYSIS : - Monitors and evaluates KPIs, inventory and receipt plan on a weekly basis; assesses risk and recommends action accordingly; prepares reports and actionable business analysis as needed. - Identifies and challenges items that could have a negative impact on inventory and turn due to their low performance; Makes preventative recommendations and takes action to reduce non-moving aged inventory and ensure exit strategy is adhered to. - Conduct store visits as appropriate to evaluate merchandise presentation, stock assortment and inventory levels. Works closely with store management to address and maximize business opportunities. - Responsible for the supervision and development of subordinate staff as appropriate. - Fosters a growth environment that promotes professional development of the Planners and Assistant Planners. Performs other related duties as assigned. Works under the supervision of a Divisional Merchandise Manager of Planning. Operates independently within the framework of NEXCOM policies, procedures and regulations. Exercises independent judgment and approach in routine and non-routine situations. Consults with supervisor on such issues as policy matters, deviations from normal procedures or unusual circumstances. Performance is evaluated on operational performance, skills evaluations, customer service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, work quality and established individual performance metrics. The incumbent of this position must file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE) Form 450, as required. Qualifications : A Total of 7 years of experience, consisting of the following : GENERAL EXPERIENCE : Three years of experience which was gained in professional, technical or other responsible work which enabled the applicant to gain a knowledge of retail practices; demonstrated skill in dealing with operating personnel and supervisory responsibilities; and the ability to analyze problems and recommend practical solutions using sound judgment. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for nine months of experience, up to a maximum of a four year bachelor's degree for three years of general experience. AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : Four years of progressively responsible substantive experience which provided background in : Procurement practices, methods and procedures; Developing and managing an open to buy system; Developing seasonal financial plans; Preparation of inventory projections; Monitoring and maintenance of sales, inventory levels and stock turns; Review and analysis of sales, inventory and profit trends; -Database / spreadsheet software applications, and -Supervisory responsibility of human resources; or similar responsible work that demonstrated the knowledge and ability within one or more operational or merchandising areas of non-appropriated fund or private sector retail management. Job : Planning