Associate Merchandise Planner

Job Number: 480

Position Title: Assoc Merch Planner

External Description:

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for building financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments both pre and in season. Partner with cross-functional team to identify risks and opportunities to drive the business and maximize profits.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Build preseason financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly level by season which ties to the companies’ sales, margin and turnover goals. Responsible for total departmental volume equal to or less than 5% of total channel or up to 4 plan levels. 
• Review style color breadth and depth for each assortment to align key goals/metrics: unit sales, inventory, receipts, turn and margin expectations. Collaborate with Merchant and Inventory Analyst partners throughout the line build to ensure the assortment plan meets financial objectives. 
• Where applicable, create and manage Key item ladder plans both pre and in season including managing receipt flow. 
• Analyze in-season merchandise performance at the departmental and item level. Re-forecast departmental sales, inventory and margin on a monthly basis to develop strategies to achieve plan.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team to identify chase and markdown opportunities in relation to the open-to-buy. 
• Prepare pre season promotional and markdown strategy through partnership with Merchandising. Analyze impact and effectiveness in season and make recommendations for future promotions and markdowns. Execute markdowns. 
• Partner with Merchandising and Allocation to share and transfer inventory between stores and direct to maximize inventory investment. 
• Present plans, forecasts, and strategies in key meetings. 
• Complete ad hoc reporting as needed to drive or react to the current or future business needs 

Dimensions:

The Associate Planner impacts sales, inventory, markdowns and gross margin for all stores in U.S or Direct business for a given product line(s); responsible for total departmental volume equal to or less than 5% of total channel or up to 4 plan levels.

 

Education/Experience/Knowledge:

Bachelors Degree required and a minimum of 3-5 years of merchandise retailing experience, which includes knowledge of distribution and buying. Experience in specialty retail or a SKU-intensive product category a plus.
Basic retail math skill required.

Analytic Skills: Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from quantitative and qualitative data. Ability to use logic to solve problems.

Communication: Can present ideas and direction to others. Presentation experience necessary. Can build strong relationships with a diverse group of business partners. Demonstrate strong listening, written and oral communication skills.

Systems and Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required. Oracle Retail Planning preferred, JDA or SAS Planning a plus. Experience with or a strong ability to learn reporting/data warehousing tools preferred.

Possess strong organization and time management skills. Possess a strong sense of urgency and a high level of attention to detail. Must be organized, disciplined and able to work under pressure in a team setting while being flexible and able to adapt. Possess desire and demonstrates skill to be promoted within 24 months.

City:

State:

Community / Marketing Title: Associate Merchandise Planner

Company Profile:

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, the company is known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and  can enhance an already thriving culture.  With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a  full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

EEO Employer Verbiage:

Talbots is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law. Talbots is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process please contact recruiting@talbots.com. Talbots will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business.

PositionType_Description: Full Time

Location_formattedLocationLong: Hingham, Massachusetts US