Senior Director, Planning

Chicos Fas Inc•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

This position is responsible for directing the merchandise planning team both In-Season and Pre-Season in assessing current business trends and making recommendations to course correct and improve business projection. It is highly critical to think outside of the box and be strategic in how to assess and make recommendations. This position may be found in multiple brands. Some duties may vary from brand to brand.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required, a Master’ degree preferred
10+ years of prior experience in Planning and Allocation working in an Apparel Specialty Store environment, and must include minimum 5+ years in a Management role
Proficient in planning multiple levels of business drivers
Understands both Full Price / Markdown and Season Code forecasting (OTB/MBR)
Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
Owns the skill set to work in ambiguous situations and can effectively manage change, risk and uncertainty.
Flexibility to shift focus/priorities at a moment’s notice
System experience in Graphic software knowledge, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Database and JDA preferred
Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation skills

Nice To Haves

Omni planning experience preferred

Responsibilities

Leads the development, analysis, and revision of category plans for sales, margin realization, inventory and profit.
Drives financial results that maximize sales, inventory and bottom line profitability.
Drives and projects KPI’s on daily, weekly, and monthly basis and communicates to key business partners.
Analyzes current trends to identify risks and opportunities to business and recommends strategies to achieve financial goals.
Oversees seasonal merchandise flow strategies that maximize sales, profitability and customer expectations.
Provides direction and manages the open to buy (OTB/MBR) process and leads the cross-functional team in managing through opportunities and risks.
Needs to be highly competent in both Full Price/Markdown and Season Code forecasting (OTB/MBR).
Ensures all orders fall within approved financial open to buy parameters.
Presents analysis in weekly, monthly and quarterly business meetings to Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Values individuality and the diverse talents of their team. Leads the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.