What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Planning and Analysis position at Ripple Junction Design Co.?
Job Description
TITLE: Manager of Planning and Analysis
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Operations
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
At Ripple Junction our vision is to consistently bring joy to pop culture fans—and that joy starts in our employees. We offer a competitive benefit program, growth and development, discounted merchandise and more. Ripple believes in the value of each employee, and it is reflected in our one-of-a-kind environment. Product or potluck—we work, grow and succeed together.
About Ripple Junction
Creating since 1992, Ripple Junction began as two guys with a van full of shirts at a Grateful Dead show. Today, we’re a leading designer and developer of licensed merchandise for globally recognized brands. For over 20 years we have been driven by passion and purpose. Ripple Junction is one of the most successful purveyors of licensed apparel and merchandise in the United States. We create a wide range of top-quality products that appeal to the fans of our extensive roster of licensed properties, while generating strong sales for our numerous retail partners.
We believe in quality, creative products and a commitment to celebrating film, television, rock & roll, anime, science fiction, video games, and everything pop culture. Ripple Junction’s team of imaginative pop culture fanatics create the planet’s most awesome t-shirts and officially licensed products. We are armed with a passion for all thing’s movies, television, anime, music, video games, and pop culture. And we’re fans first. “Make rad” was the idea that Ripple Junction was born out of - now it’s our life’s work.
TITLE: Manager of Planning and Analysis
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Operations
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and implement supply planning strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Oversee the forecasting and buying strategy for all inventory needed to support Ripple Junction’s domestic production.
- Manage sales forecasting with the Finance and Sales teams to create customer and product level sales plans that drive company inventory, sourcing, and capacity plans.
- Plan key metrics including sales revenue, sales units, AUR (Average Unit Retail) and AUC (Average Unit Cost).
- Oversee Vendor Managed Inventory and weekly replenishment programs for key national retail brands, including Target, Kohls and Walmart.
- Work daily with the Production team to troubleshoot issues, elevate stalls, and move customer orders through the production pipeline.
- Address product availability concerns, communicate availability updates to Sales, and establish prioritization where needed.
- Report on excess, cancelled, and discontinued inventory and support efforts to reduce inventory carrying costs.
- Work directly with closeout and liquidation customers on off-price opportunities.
- Provide analytics to Sales and Merchandising teams regarding historical blank trends to drive future core assortment strategy conversations.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key blank suppliers to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply.
- Partner with Finance on monthly inventory valuation and inventory clean-up.
- Assist with customer quotes and P&L analysis.
- Lead and mentor planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and communication.
- Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience
- A minimum of 8 years of sales forecasting and/or inventory planning experience, preferably in a manufacturing or distribution company.
- Possesses strong problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, and can build consensus through interpreting and presenting meaningful trends from data.
- Advanced knowledge of Excel, and the aptitude to learn new systems quickly.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional teams and customers, both internal and external.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage workload.
- Experience managing an individual or team.
- Provide direction, leadership and performance appraisals for two direct reports.
At Ripple Junction our vision is to consistently bring joy to pop culture fans—and that joy starts in our employees. We offer a competitive benefit program, growth and development, discounted merchandise and more. Ripple believes in the value of each employee, and it is reflected in our one-of-a-kind environment. Product or potluck—we work, grow and succeed together.
- A Fun & Vibrant Work Culture: We value creativity, teamwork, and celebrating our successes together.
- Growth Opportunities: There’s always room to learn new skills and grow your career with us.
About Ripple Junction
Creating since 1992, Ripple Junction began as two guys with a van full of shirts at a Grateful Dead show. Today, we’re a leading designer and developer of licensed merchandise for globally recognized brands. For over 20 years we have been driven by passion and purpose. Ripple Junction is one of the most successful purveyors of licensed apparel and merchandise in the United States. We create a wide range of top-quality products that appeal to the fans of our extensive roster of licensed properties, while generating strong sales for our numerous retail partners.
We believe in quality, creative products and a commitment to celebrating film, television, rock & roll, anime, science fiction, video games, and everything pop culture. Ripple Junction’s team of imaginative pop culture fanatics create the planet’s most awesome t-shirts and officially licensed products. We are armed with a passion for all thing’s movies, television, anime, music, video games, and pop culture. And we’re fans first. “Make rad” was the idea that Ripple Junction was born out of - now it’s our life’s work.