PROJECT PLANNING SPEC CAN - (18 Month contract)

The Home Depot

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger. The Project Planning Specialist (PPS), Merchandising is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning and execution of merchandising projects across the organization. This role functions as the primary liaison for project timelines, communications, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment between strategic goals and in-store execution. The PPS partners closely with internal teams including Merchants, Store Planning, Procurement, Visual Merchandising, and Assortment Planning; to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and risks. They are accountable for identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies, improve quality, and reduce costs. With a strong emphasis on detail, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement, the PPS ensures all merchandising initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.

Requirements

Strong project management skills with cross-functional coordination experience
Excellent verbal and written communication; skilled in simplifying complex topics
Proven ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships independently
Analytical and critical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
Results-driven, action-oriented, and detail-focused
Skilled in identifying risks and implementing sustainable solutions
Influential leader with the ability to drive outcomes without formal authority
Proficient in project management tools and generating actionable insights
Strong sense of ownership and accountability in project planning and execution
Effective probing skills to uncover project needs and support team
Naturally curious, proactive, and adaptable under tight deadlines
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in retail or store merchandising strongly preferred.
Project Management Certification or equivalent
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Background in process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma certification preferred: Green Belt or Black Belt).
Ability to generate actionable reports and insights to support proactive decision-making.

Responsibilities

Project Management Lead the planning and execution of all merchandising projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Manage project schedules, timelines, and team communications effectively.
Ensure compliance with project deliverables and respond promptly to inquiries and feedback.
Consistently monitor and manage project budgets throughout the planning process Lead in managing and updating the project management software Compass.
Monitor and track project progress, ensuring quality standards and timelines are met.
Create clear, concise, and consistent project instructions to drive clarity and avoid unnecessary work for field teams.
Communication & Collaboration Serve as the central point of contact for all project-related activities, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight.
Communicate critical project updates, risks, and milestones to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
Build and maintain strong internal relationships to support effective project execution.
Balance internal stakeholder expectations with field execution team requirements.
Proactively engage field leaders and associates to gather feedback and insights, incorporating them into active and upcoming projects.
Facilitate decision making by addressing risks and issues proactively and escalating when necessary Process Improvement & Optimization Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, and streamline timelines across projects.
Develop and deliver presentations and process improvements to internal and external stakeholders.