Category Management Planner is key business partner with Buyer/Sr Buyer to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory. Major Activities Analysis Provide Buyer/Sr Buyer with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory, in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plans Ensure corporate inventory initiatives are included in dept strategies Optimize seasonal inventory flow In season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resets Partner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goals Purchase Planning Use MFP (Michaels Financial Planning) to create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programs Owns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plans Incorporates correction of errors Recommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flow Recommend optimal inner and master packs Partner with pricing and Buyer/Sr Buyer to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend product Evaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunities Develop and adhere to critical timelines Assortment Planning Ensure assortments are completed within specific timeframes Participate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information, and make appropriate recommendations Reset support Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timeline Implement discontinue timing Implement order placement timing for new product with Buyer/Sr Buyer and replenishment team Monitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecast Update finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financials