Planning Manager - SSC
About The Position
At Event Network, we believe the experience matters. As the leading operator of retail experiences at some of the most iconic and inspiring destinations across the United States, we infuse passion, creativity, and purpose into everything we do. Our team is dedicated to providing engaging and memorable retail environments that enhance the guest experience, while reflecting the unique mission and values of each location we serve. As the Merchandise Planning Manager at Event Network, you will lead merchandise planning, inventory strategy, and replenishment execution for assigned business areas across a multi-site retail business. Reporting to the VP of Planning and Replenishment, you will manage a Replenishment Analyst and jointly own planned inventory, turnover, SKU, and in-stock goals with the Buying and Product teams. You will work closely with the GMM and Senior Merchandise Managers to drive sales, profitability, and inventory productivity, including the planning and execution of large bulk and import buys.
Requirements
- Three or more years of experience as a Merchandise Planner, Planning Manager, Replenishment Manager, or similar retail planning role.
- Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, marketing, business, or a related field preferred.
- Solid understanding of merchandise planning, forecasting, open-to-buy, inventory management, and replenishment processes in a multi-site retail environment.
- Experience managing, coaching, or developing direct reports; ability to set priorities, provide clear direction, and hold partners accountable.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and data interpretation skills with a focus on action planning.
- Superior Excel skills and comfort working with planning, forecasting, inventory, and reporting systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and present insights to senior leaders.
- Detail oriented, with excellent follow-through and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the VP of Planning and Replenishment, GMM, Senior Merchandise Managers, Buyers, and Product partners to achieve sales, margin, inventory, and growth objectives within assigned business areas.
- Develop location-level inventory, margin, SKU count, and sales plans that align with financial targets and assortment architecture by category.
- Reforecast monthly open-to-buy, assess sales and inventory by department, review variances, and recommend actions that improve inventory efficiency and return on inventory investment.
- Manage, coach, and develop the Replenishment Analyst. Oversee store replenishment and reorder placement, establish priorities and operating rhythms, and monitor in-stock levels, inventory flow, and store needs.
- Lead planning for large bulk and import buys, including demand forecasting, purchase timing, inventory commitments, receipt flow, and risk mitigation in partnership with Buying, Product, and Operations.
- Build strong relationships with Product and Buying teams to manage product lifecycle, SKU rationalization, inventory levels, and assortment opportunities.
- Develop inventory and assortment plans for new stores, remodels, exhibits, special events, and other business initiatives.
- Analyze sales and product performance at the class, subclass, and SKU levels; identify risks and opportunities; and deliver weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc reporting with clear action plans.
- Communicate quantitative insights, store needs, inventory gaps, and buying recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
- Collaborate with peers to develop tools, share best practices, improve planning and replenishment processes, and expand systems knowledge.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Short-Term Disability
- Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Hospital Indemnity
- Pet insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Vacation Accrual
- Sick Leave
- Nine Paid Holidays
- Profit Sharing Bonus Plan
- 25% discount to shop at our stores
- Separate discount program with exclusive savings on a variety of brand-name products, services, travel, entertainment, tickets, and more.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
