Merchandise Planning Associate - Kids

Macy's•New York, NY

7d•$81,840 - $136,320•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate, Merchandise Planner sets financial targets for sales, margin, and receipts by channel and department. They drive bottom-up merchandise financial plans that align with Buyer’s category strategies. In-season, they maintain rolling forecasts at the department(s) level and work with the Buyer to manage the business. Additionally, they collaborate with Inventory Managers to review product flow and mitigate risks. The Associate performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Financial Acumen: Proficiency in setting financial targets for sales, margin, and receipts, along with the ability to translate top-down financial targets to the department level
Forecasting Analysis: Capability to develop in-season Rolling Operating Forecasts for sales, margin, and inventory, as well as conducting forecasting analysis to support decision-making
Inventory Optimization: Skill in collaborating with Inventory Managers to review product flow, assess current inventory levels, and optimize inventory management strategies
Risk and Opportunity Assessment: Ability to identify and quantify risks and opportunities within the business, evaluating adjustments to core parameters, allocations, markdowns, and promotions to achieve financial objectives
Communication Skills: Practice of open and continuous communication, with the ability to effectively present information in a clear and concise manner, keeping stakeholders informed
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with Buyers, Inventory Managers, and other stakeholders across functional lines and organizational levels
Creative and Strategic Thinking: Capability to think creatively, strategically, and technically, contributing to the development of innovative solutions and strategies aligned with business goals
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply
4+ years in Financial or Merchandise Planning.
Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs
This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Translate top-down GFOB & Division financial targets to the department level
Collaborate with Buyers to develop a monthly department-level bottom-up build, emphasizing sales, margin, and turn in line with the category strategy
Develop in-season Rolling Operating Forecast for sales, margin, and inventory
Gather input from Buyers and Inventory Managers to maintain a weekly inventory forecast, including updates on vendor-specific shipping
Support the assignment of stores to division/department volume clusters
Manage department-level Open-to-Buy (OTB) in collaboration with Buyers
Review business performance by channel, focusing on highlights and opportunities
Assess current inventory levels and evaluate Rolling Operating Forecast (ROF) based on beginning of month (BOM), receipts, and end of month (EOM) plans
Evaluate opportunities and risks related to adjusting core parameters, allocations, markdowns, and promotions to achieve sales, margin, and inventory objectives
Develop action plans with buyers to meet financial targets
Establish and maintain store clusters at the department level and above to align with financial plans
Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities
Ensure regular, dependable attendance and punctuality

Benefits

comprehensive health and wellness coverage
401(k) match
paid time off
eight paid holidays
continuous learning and leadership development
Merchandise discounts
Performance-based incentives
Annual merit review
Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
Tuition reimbursement