The Manager of Merchandise Planning will lead all sales and merchandise planning activities for the Matilda Jane Clothing & Good Hart Brands. This role will require experience with analyzing current business trends, interpreting market feedback and tracking results against historical data and plans. This position will collaborate closely with Sales, Merchandising and Finance leaders in the development of sales, margin and inventory budgets, and will have a strong understanding of managing the forecast as necessary to achieve the Companys annual financial targets.

**FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:**

Present analysis and reporting in weekly business updates and monthly planning meetings

Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities to the business and recommend strategies to mitigate and/or capitalize on trends as appropriate

Oversee the development, analysis, and revision of comprehensive category plans for sales, gross margin, inventory and profitability, top down and bottom up

Ensure adherence to the plan through consistent communication and collaboration, and advise senior management when adjustments are necessary to support financial goals

Present and drive strategies that maximize sales, inventory and bottom-line profitability

Oversee tactical merchandise flow that aligns seasonal inventory investment with customer demand

Develop cross-functional partnerships with members of Merchandising, Finance, Sales, as well as Production, Distribution, IT and Marketing

Manage inventories through continuous analysis of availability on-hand, ensuring that all purchasing falls within approved open-to-buy parameters.

Perform Ad hoc Analysis as needed for CEO, CFO and Merchandising team

Grow and develop other planning team members and evolve existing processes towards automation and greater reliance on technology

Act as key administrator for the product life cycle (PLM) BuyTool program

**QUALIFICATIONS:**

BA/BS degree in Finance or Business or a related field from an accredited institution

5-7 years of merchandise planning, allocations or sales analysis experience in direct sales and/or specialty retail in consumer goods; apparel/accessories strongly preferred

Exposure to an entrepreneurial environment a plus

Must be highly analytical and demonstrate a passion for accuracy

Ability to communicate effectively with a sense of urgency to all levels of management

Proven ability to build and maintain productive cross-functional relationships to drive business and create/lead teams

Ability to negotiate and influence effectively

Proven track record in managing a business to achieve financial targets

Proficient in Microsoft Excel with experience in building out multi-seasonal plans

Matilda Jane Clothing will not discriminate against any job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category.

Matilda Jane Clothing provides comprehensive employee benefits offerings as part of our competitive total compensation program.