Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and manage financial plans by department, class, and channel to achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals
- Lead pre-season and in-season planning, including open-to-buy (OTB), assortment strategy, and promotional cadence
- Analyze historical data, market trends, and customer insights to inform future strategies
Inventory Optimization
- Oversee inventory flow and ensure alignment with sales forecasts and promotional plans
- Identify risks and opportunities in stock levels, recommending actions such as reorders, markdowns, or transfers
- Partner with allocation and supply chain teams to ensure timely and accurate product distribution
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI
- Deliver weekly/monthly business reviews with actionable insights and recommendations
- Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability and customer engagement
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, store operations, and e-commerce teams to align on business objectives
- Mentor junior planners and contribute to team development and process improvement
- Act as a thought leader in planning meetings, driving innovation and best practices
Skills & Qualifications
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate data into actionable business strategies
- Analytical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Excel and planning tools (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle)
- Communication: Strong presentation and collaboration skills across departments
- Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior
- Leadership: Experience mentoring and influencing cross-functional teams
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field
- 5–7 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty or omnichannel retail
- Proven track record of driving financial results and leading planning initiatives
