Merchandise Planning Manager

Carters Inc.•Mississauga, ON

About The Position

Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter’s Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, SkipHop and Little Planet brands. Meaningful work, constant learning, genuine people, and a community guided by core values that promote inclusion and innovation is in everything we do. There are many reasons to build your career at Carter's. The incumbent in this position partners with the Category Management team to achieve the overall financial and strategic objectives of the organization. The Planning Manager manages the financial performance of the merchandise and optimizes assortment placement and quantification.

Requirements

4+ years’ experience in Planning principles, financial budgeting, retail fundamentals, ad hoc reporting and analysis
Strong analytical skills
Strong communication/collaboration skills with ability to influence others
Adaptable to fast moving retail environment

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
Highly adept in various systems including intermediate to advanced Excel skills
Highly motivated and self-reliant
Experience with Planning and/or Replenishment in a retail organization

Responsibilities

Develop and execute merchandise financial plans by product classification aligned to financial targets to establish annual budgets and open-to-buy
In partnership with the Category Manager, establish assortment strategies (pricing, buy quantities, commodity blends) to achieve the financial plans
In partnership with the Category Manager, establish inventory flow which supports demand and inventory targets; align on optimal units/style
Validate promotional marketing plan aligns to monthly financial plan
Execute monthly/as needed re-forecast of comprehensive financial plans; re-forecast sales, margin, and inventory based on trend to identify risks/opportunities compared to plan
Develop and execute markdown strategies to achieve unit sales plan while maximizing margin
Partner with the Category Manager to provide strong in-season forecasts and develop corrective in-season actions where required
Conduct post-season analysis and draft monthly/quarterly hindsight recaps and strategies for the next season buys
Determine sizing requirements by commodity based on pre-season performance analysis
Provide ad hoc business reports and analysis as needed
Utilize company-approved tools and processes to support planning and measurement of the business