Sr. Director, Merchandise Financial Planning & Analytics
About The Position
The Senior Director, Merchandise Financial Planning & Analytics leads merchandise planning strategy, drives operational efficiency, and enhances financial performance across the organization. This leader oversees the end-to-end planning process, including setting planning targets, managing the financial planning system, developing and distributing ad hoc reporting tools, and advancing strategic financial initiatives focused on merchandise categories, inventory productivity, and gross margin optimization. The Senior Director partners closely with merchandise planners, merchants, finance, supply chain, private brands, transformation teams, and technology partners to align planning strategies with enterprise objectives. This leader directs a high-performing team of directors to deliver actionable insights, improve forecast accuracy, and optimize inventory productivity and profitability through advanced analytics and predictive modeling.
Requirements
- Strategic Merchandise Planning: Proven ability to translate corporate objectives into merchandise planning targets and long-range strategies that support inventory productivity and margin optimization.
- Advanced Financial and Data Analytics: Expertise in forecasting, financial modeling, and root cause analysis using tools such as Anaplan, AI/ML-driven models, and other analytics platforms to inform decision-making and performance improvement.
- Operational Excellence: Demonstrated success in leading process improvements, standardizing reporting, and optimizing planning systems to drive efficiency and scalability across the organization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to partner with Finance, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Private Brands, and Technology to align planning strategies with enterprise goals.
- Leadership and Team Development: Experienced in managing and mentoring high-performing teams; able to inspire and guide directors and analysts in delivering value through insights, planning accuracy, and tool adoption.
- Performance Management: Skilled at defining and tracking KPIs, evaluating performance gaps, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive business results.
- Technology Enablement: Hands-on experience with planning platforms (e.g., Anaplan), self-service reporting tools, and digital transformation efforts that enable scalable, data-driven planning.
- Influence and Communication: Exceptional communication and executive presence with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership through clear insights and recommendations.
- Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
- 8+ years of experience in financial or inventory planning, including 5+ years in a leadership capacity.
- This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems.
- Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
- Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
Responsibilities
- Translate annual corporate objectives into seasonal and FOB-level merchandise planning targets, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to Planning leadership.
- Lead root cause analyses to uncover performance gaps and develop strategies that improve business outcomes.
- Define, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) in partnership with Corporate FP&A, Supply Chain Finance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Enhance forecasting capabilities through advanced analytics, including driver-based models, predictive analytics, and AI/ML solutions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and partner with FP&A to develop standardized reporting and decision-support tools.
- Support Private Brands by leading long-range planning activities and establishing financial and operational performance targets.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a team responsible for delivering business value across: Financial performance analysis and actionable business insights, Corporate ROF (Rate of Forecast) and plan submissions, Daily sales planning and forecasting, Anaplan administration, including training, user support, and enhancement prioritization, Inventory productivity and gross margin optimization, Strategic planning for Market and Private Brands, Development and deployment of self-service reporting and analytics tools.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
- In addition to the essential duties mentioned above, other duties may be assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
- 401(k) match
- Paid time off
- Eight paid holidays
- Continuous learning and leadership development
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Associate degree
