As a
Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for the Sales, Margin and Inventory management of a product category to achieve company financial objectives. The merchandise planner will own allocation strategies that generate high sales, profit and inventory turnover. The Planner will provide analytical support to the merchandising partner to make strategic decisions for the development, coordination, and review of the product assortment by door as well as financial planning, inventory and price management within a specific product category.
Position Responsibilities: • Drives the development of pre-season merchandise plans, in-season OTB, product assortments, and profitability in conjunction with the manager, and the Merchant.
• Identifies opportunities and executes strategies to increase sales, margin, and turn to meet or exceed plan.
• Analyzes product performance in season, monitors demand, and adjusts forecasts to establish inventory levels that drive sales and maximize profitability
• Develop analysis to understand significant variances to plan and develop action plans that mitigate additional risk.
• Collaborate with merchandising counterpart to develop buying strategies
• Drives the execution of product allocation, inventory management and price optimization in conjunction with the Planning Manager
• Analyzes store performance in season, monitors demand, and adjusts forecasts to establish inventory levels that drive sales and maximize profitability
• Conduct location analysis by region, climate and volume group to identify sales opportunities; react with appropriate allocation or pricing recommendations and actions to drive sales and margin.
• Adjust location assortments (both breadth and depth) based on store performance results and Planning Manager input.
Position Requirements: • 3-5 years experience in retail planning or buying
• Bachelors degree (preferably in Merchandising, Business, Finance)
• Advanced business knowledge of retail , merchandising and price optimization concepts
• Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets financial information accurately
• Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business
• Proficient on PC based Retail applications such as JDA Allocation and Planning preferred. Advanced excel skills necessary
• Ability to successfully collaborate with internal partners
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Able to independently organize and prioritize broad workload to meet deadlines
• Strong written communication skills
• Outstanding verbal communication skills with the ability to influence
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate with multiple levels within a large -organization
• Exhibits high standards and accountability; takes pride in accuracy
• Result-oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency
• Travel may be required, based on business needs.
• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, Catalyst Brands offers a benefits package, including health care (medical, prescription, dental, vision), company paid life insurance and long term disability, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off programs starting with minimum 15-days based on role, overtime pay (if hourly), flexible work schedule, and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found here:
Reasonable Accommodation
The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Catalyst Brands is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law ("Protected Characteristics").
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
- Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day
- Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day
- Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods
- Ability to reach at or below shoulder level
- Ability to carry equipment, move boxes/samples, etc.
- For Stores & Distribution Centers: Bend, lift, open and move product and fixtures up to 50 lbs., as needed.
Please note that the deadline for submitting your application for this position is three weeks from the date the job posting was published.