Merchandise Planner

KnitWell Group•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

The Merchandise Planner develops annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly plans using current sales and trend information. The role translates the Merchant’s vision into viable plans and profitable results across omni channels. It partners with Merchants and cross-functional teams to plan and forecast sales, markdowns, margins, receipts, and inventory, and to respond to current business performance and trends. This position may exist across multiple brands, and some duties may vary by brand.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, financial planning, or financial analysis.
At least 3 years of retail experience in merchandising/buying or allocation.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, numerical aptitude, retail math skills, and understanding of forecasting methodology.
Ability to make decisions with limited information and synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to concisely present complex information and recommendations to varied audiences.
System proficiency, with strong emphasis on Excel.
Ability to build collaborative cross-functional partnerships and identify and influence critical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business.

Responsibilities

Partner with Merchants to develop pre-season sales, markdown, margin, receipt, and inventory plans.
Develop projections and inventory flow for key items and collections.
Provide business analysis, including hindsight reviews and color-selling analysis.
Forecast monthly and seasonal plans to ensure orders remain within approved financial targets.
Analyze performance against strategy using actual sales and current trends, and recommend adjustments.
Prepare for and participate in Merchandise Review meetings, including MBR and seasonal hindsight reviews.
Partner with Merchants to develop and propose tactics in response to current business trends.
Make recommendations for key financial meetings and decisions to maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity.
Develop sales, markdown, receipt, and inventory re-forecasts through the monthly plan review process.
Manage and execute promotional and liquidation strategies.
Communicate plan revisions within the team and across functions.
Partner with cross-functional teams to use seasonal selling curves by region, climate, and store attributes.
Look beyond day-to-day business to identify opportunities to maximize sales potential.