Category Planning Manager

Mars • Newark, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This pivotal Category Manager role leads the execution of our product category oversight across our Global One M&M’s Ecosystem. This individual will determine how to most effectively forecast topline NSV$, margin and inventory, in alignment with delivering upon our financial objectives. This individual provides a business-critical role for One M&Ms and will be a significant contributor in the company’s success

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Mathematics, Supply Chain or related field
• ERP/SAP is preferred.
• Experience in Omni-Channel Retail Planning, logistics, finance or operations preferred.
• Five years in Merchandise Financial Planning
• 5+ years in Retail Replenishment and Allocation, Planning or other relevant function.
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel
• Experience with SAP, Warehouse Management Systems, Demand Planning AI Software (ie Relex) an Asset
• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy
• Must be able to work independently with little to no supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all aspects of the business
• Knowledge of overall supply chain/logistics best practices; includes international and domestic logistic movement experience considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Serve as the business expert for respective product category of ownership (ie Hardlines, Apparel, Chocolate).
• Lead the seasonal buy process and pre-season planning for respective product categories, ensuring the buys are supporting the financial budget.
• Manage monthly OTB process for respective category(ies); responsible for re-forecasting sales, margin & inventory, and reporting out business insights/trends to the broader Planning/Merchant teams, in addition to the DMR community on a periodic basis.
• Provide coaching and oversight to Planning Analyst(s) to align on order and shipment forecasts to reconcile to OTB.
• Review/Release all Purchase Orders that exceed planner thresholds set by business.
• Partner with PD and Merch in leading Charter projection process for owned categories. Additionally provide guidance to Planning Analyst(s) in relation to new item introductions and associated SKU level projections/initial purchase volumes in support of the charter work.
• Analyze product performance and recommend next actions surrounding replenishment, markdowns, and length of product life.
• Communicate regional and store level sales performance, business/inventory insights and action plans in weekly S&OE meeting inputs.
• Ensure alignment with Planning & Allocation Analyst prior to relaying appropriate risks/opportunities/actions for respective categories of oversight.
• Create and distribute Daily/weekly/monthly reporting as required (ie OTB output, WBR Output, new store performance etc.).
• Manage associated promotions, markdowns, clearance as necessary for items within respective product realm and fold in necessary cross-functional counterparts in order to execute (ie Store Ops, Merch, VM)
• Provide data mining and ad-hoc analysis as needed for business reviews, presentations, meetings with senior leadership etc.
• Independently develop new reporting methodologies to analyze the business
• Partner with Analysts & Vendor Liaison surrounding PO placement/replenishment strategies/delivery timing/vendor communication etc.
• Seek out cost/MOQ/case pack negotiation opportunities in partnership with Merch/PD

Benefits

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager