Junior Merchandise Planner

Finish Line•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Junior Merchandise Planner holds responsibility for assisting with the development and execution of the product plans from merchandise planning through the merchandise allocation stage. This role is a starting point on the planning team, inclusive of a development program in which the incumbent will learn all intricacies of planning with a senior level mentor and coach, with the ultimate goal of positioning this individual for upward growth in the Planning & Allocation department. This individual will effectively exhibit JD Finish Line’s core values of Customer, People, Winning, Community, and Financial Responsibility in everything they do by performing the following key duties:

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or Finance from a four-year college or university; 1-2 years’ merchandise allocation experience and/or Financial/Product Planning experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Internal JD Finish Line experience strongly preferred.
Should have basic knowledge and abilities within Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals/bets practices.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, vendors and employees.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables.
Business and industry knowledge and acumen
Business and educational aptitude to learn/acquire the knowledge needed to move into a Merchandise Planner role in 9-18 months
Sit for more than 6 hours per shift
Use hands to finger, handle and feel
Reach with hands and arms
Talk and/or hear
Walk or move from one location to another
Occasionally may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally
Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company’s policies are required for the position.

Responsibilities

Assists with the development of annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly merchandise plans in cost of goods and units
Executes weekly markdown forecasts by collaborating with buyers to agree on SKUs and price points
Executes comprehensive department financial and product strategies
Helps Planners develop pre-season plans and recommend purchase/investment quantities and develop accurate receipt flow forecasts
Analyze historic performance and planned strategies to identify areas of opportunity or risk
Develop, maintain and update tools, reports, etc. to support the needs of the business
Supports product allocations to ensure right stock, right place, right quantities, right stores, right time
Actively participate in assortment development and review, providing data and analysis to support decision-making
Collaborate on best strategies to address product liabilities and develop action plans to liquidate in a timely and profitable manner such as cancels, RTVs, and markdown
Provide periodic reporting on business performance
Evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable information to drive results
Build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners
Identify and articulate the processes necessary to accomplish tasks efficiently and align resources effectively
Anticipate risks and identify contingency plans and processes to prevent disruptions when risks occur
Additional duties and projects as required