Retail Merchandise Planner

This role is responsible for all merchandise / inventory planning responsibilities including oversight of the logistics / supply chain for a new international retail store concept. This role is part of the Client Global Licensing & Retail (L&R) team and will work in collaboration with the local Operating Unit and Operating Agency.

Education Requirements :

• 4-year College Degree

Required Experience :

• 5 years’ experience retail planning (preferably with apparel experience)
• Retail merchandise planning experience in a fast-paced environment
• Track record of delivering financial results
• Experience with international retail stores preferred
• Apparel / Accessories experience preferred
• Experience launching new stores or concepts
• Merchandise financial planning and Open to buy management
• Experience leveraging data and insights from consumer data, industry trend and qualitative and quantitative research to drive results
• Strong understanding of retail KPIs and proven track record of driving business results
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Creative and strategic thinking
• In tune and consistently keeping up with consumer and market trends
• Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills
• Strong project management capabilities
• Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity
• High-level of flexibility and ability to self-manage including tolerance for last minute changes
• Ability to thrive in a networked environment
• High attention to accuracy and detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Power Point, Power BI
• Successful performance record

Key responsibilities include :

• Oversee all merchandise related responsibilities for a new concept
• Manage ongoing cross category merchandise assortment (apparel & hardlines) tailored to the target consumer & market and aligned to the overall strategic vision of the brand and store
• Responsible for planning and managing the Open-to-Buy for the store, ensuring targets are met including Sales, Gross Margin and Avg Stock
• Work with vendors and with Client Store Merchandise Planners to place orders and forecast replenishment needs
• Coordinate order timing with US store order placement to ensure MOQ’s and cost targets are met
• Manage replenishment and in season reorders, ensuring product is in stock and arrives on time
• Partner with logistics agency, international trade team and suppliers to manage all aspects of the supply chain
• Work with QA, Product Developer and Suppliers to ensure local product regulatory requirements are met
• Manage licensing contract amendments and new contracts for suppliers
• Partner with Visual Merchandiser to execute compelling and profitable presentations and product placement
• Work with VM on an ongoing basis to re-merchandise as needed to maximize sales
• Establish and execute liquidation plans as needed
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buyer, Planners, Strategy team, Visual Merchandising Coordinator, Product Developer, Marketing and Operating Agency
• Conduct analysis and produce reporting and actionable recommendations on a weekly and monthly basis
• Provide category, class and item performance analysis and present to leadership
• Continually review and analyze productivity, category and item selling, and recommend actions to optimize the business performance
• Assess learnings and propose assortment changes as needed to maximize results
• Create Product Knowledge decks to educate store teams
• Create and maintain assortment plans reflective of all product and costing information
• Create product related presentations for leadership and cross functional teams
• Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.
• Please note that all Position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements.