Merchandise Planning Manager

Eye Care Partners•Ballwin, MO

66d•Remote

About The Position

The Merchandise Planning Manager will play a key role in managing vendor relationships and supporting sales performance. Reporting to the Director of Merchandising, this role will focus on providing operational support for offices, collaborating with suppliers, and analyzing sales data to identify opportunities that enhance efficiency and patient experience. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, capable of leveraging market insights to optimize processes and ensure profitable sales.

Requirements

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, trends, and market research to make data-driven decisions.
Proven experience in vendor management, project management, and sales analysis with a track record of driving product performance and profitability.
Excellent relationship management skills.
Solid understanding of product lifecycle management, from selection to sales performance.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and project management skills.
Minimum Required: High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising or related field preferred.
Minimum Required: 3-5 years of experience in merchandising, buying, or product management, ideally within the optical, fashion, or retail industry.
Minimum Required: None
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

Responsibilities

Vendor Coordination & Scheduling:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with optical vendors to support consistent scheduling and reliable delivery of products and services.
Coordinate with vendors to align timelines, calendars, team member incentives, and operational priorities to ensure timely product refreshes deliveries.
Monitor vendor performance against agreed timelines, service levels, and operational requirements, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.
Leadership & Team Development:
Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of merchandising coordinators to ensure the successful execution of merchandising strategies and ongoing office support.
Provide ongoing training and guidance to the merchandising team, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, tools, and knowledge to support ECP's retail strategy
Conduct regular GROW conversations, offer constructive feedback, and foster a collaborative, creative team environment.
Sales Analysis & Performance Tracking:
Analyze sales data and product performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the current product assortment.
Identify underperforming products and collaborate with the merchandising and marketing teams to develop strategies for improving sales (e.g., promotions, pricing adjustments, or discontinuation).
Analyze retail pricing strategy and propose updates annually.
Collaborative Product Strategy Development:
Work with the Director of Merchandising to define product strategy and ensure it aligns with broader business objectives, patient needs, and market trends.
Support the development of promotional strategies and seasonal campaigns that align with product launches or high-demand periods.
Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure product messaging and promotional materials align with the assortment and brand positioning.
Partner with the Visual Merchandising Manager and vendors to align in-office signage, displays, and point-of-purchase materials with brand strategy and office needs.
Market Trends & Patient Insights:
Stay up to date with current market trends, consumer preferences, and innovations in eyewear.
Collect and analyze office feedback to understand product satisfaction, unmet needs, and trends that could inform future product selection.
Monitor competitor product offerings and pricing to ensure the company remains competitive and relevant in the market.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with the operations and marketing teams to ensure that product availability, messaging, and promotions are effectively executed.
Work alongside the marketing team to ensure product launches, seasonal campaigns, and promotions are aligned with merchandising strategies.
Assist with training and educating office teams on new product launches, key selling points, and product features to improve patient experience.