Sr Merchandise Planner (WHBM)

Knitwell Group•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

The Sr Merchandise Planner develops annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly plans using current sales and trend information. The role translates the Merchant’s vision into viable plans and profitable results across omni channels, and participates in cross-functional initiatives aligned with the brand’s strategic goals. The position oversees larger-volume or more complex areas of the business. The planner partners with Merchants and cross-functional teams on sales, markdown, margin, and inventory planning; forecasts and adjusts plans based on performance and trends; and develops recommendations and tactics to support business goals. The role also contributes planning expertise and leadership to the planning team and may supervise and develop merchandise planners or associate planners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in finance, operations, or business.
At least 5 years of experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, financial planning, or financial analysis.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, numerical aptitude, retail math skills, and understanding of forecasting methodology.
Ability to make decisions with limited information and synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including communicating information and recommendations meaningfully to different audiences.
System proficiency, with a strong emphasis on Excel.
Ability to build collaborative cross-functional partnerships and identify and influence critical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Partner with Merchants to develop pre-season sales, markdown, margin, sales, and inventory plans.
Develop projections and inventory flow for key items and collections.
Provide analysis to support business goals, such as hindsight and color-selling analysis.
Forecast monthly and seasonal plans to ensure orders remain within approved financial targets.
Analyze and respond to strategy performance based on actual sales and current trends.
Partner with Merchants to propose tactics in response to business trends.
Make recommendations for key financial meetings and decisions to maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity.
Develop sales, markdown, receipt, and inventory re-forecasts as part of the monthly plan review process.
Manage and execute promotional and liquidation strategy.
Communicate plan revisions within the team and cross-functionally.
Partner with cross-functional teams to use seasonal selling curves by region, climate, and store attribute.
Look beyond day-to-day business to identify opportunities to maximize sales potential.
Prepare for and participate in Merchandise Review meetings, including MBR and seasonal hindsight.
Act as a resource and leader for the planning team and cross-functional partners.
May supervise and develop merchandise planners and/or associate planners.