Senior Merchandise Planner (Hybrid)

Job Number: 15150

Position Title: Sr Merchandise Planner

External Description:

Senior Merchandise Planner

This position will be a hybrid combination of working remotely and in our Hingham, MA location.
The Senior Merchandise Planner drives all omni-channel merchandise planning activities, including the development of financial sales, gross margin, and inventory plans for their dept(s) and division. This position is accountable for sales, margin, markdown, and inventory strategies to ensure profitability. The Senior Merchandise Planner drives results through strategic thinking, pre-season plan development, in-season management with their Cross Functional Team (CFT), attaining buy-in from VP of Planning as well as partners on the Merchandising leadership team. While responsible for department plan(s), they will also collaborate with Planners and Management to shape overall divisional strategy and approach.

What We Offer:

• Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the tools to grow beyond this position and into the next. 
• Condensed Work Week! If we have no work obligations, our Life-Work balance approach allows for us to start our weekend at 1pm on Fridays.
• Complete Benefit Package! Our benefits kick off the first day of the month after your start date! Discover more about our full benefits package here. We have competitive time off, including paid time to volunteer within the community.
• Merchandise Discounts! 50% off Talbots and our Haven Well Within brand as well as local business discounts (where applicable)!

What You’ll Do:
• Owns and is accountable for departmental success. Responsible for OTB re-forecasting at a weekly level to reflect trends, alignment with company direction, and solutions for risks and opportunities. Able to communicate the business needs clearly and concisely to CFT as well as Leadership.
• Partner with Merchandising team pre-season to develop plans that support the product strategies and in-season to react to business and product needs.
• Expert on product mix performance; sales and inventory at the dept and style/color level.
• Partner with Inventory Analyst team to maximize omni profitability through pre-season store cluster analysis, initial allocation, DC Management, and in-season management.
• Proactively identify issues and opportunities within product mix, and use creative problem solving to drive profitable solutions.
• Actively recommend markdown and liquidation strategies to maximize omni channel profitability.
• Procure big picture understanding of company goals to educate divisional strategy.
• Act as subject matter expert on cross functional projects to help drive overall profitability and efficiency. Will include projects such as new systems, reports, tools and/or process changes.
• Steer analysis and strategy for the division; be a thought-partner to division’s Planners, Merchants, and Management.
• Be an active mentor and demonstrate the ability to raise the talent level of your team.

Internal and External Relationships
Internal:
• Merchandising
• Inventory Management (Allocation)
• Company Planning
• Business Process and Development
• Marketing and Visual
• Information Systems (BI/IT)
• Extended CFT
• Senior Leadership

External:
• Software vendors and business consultants as needed/arise (example: JDA).

Who You Are:
• Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• 8-10+ years of experience in planning which includes knowledge of buying and allocation.
• Proven record of leadership: process, team, and mentorship.
• Planning system experience required: JDA, Oracle, SAP preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
• Stores and/or direct experience required, omni preferred.
• Functional understanding of retail/vertical business process.
• Able to solve complex problems, drive resolution with the CFT, present clear ideas and direction to others.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills as well as attention to detail.
• Experience with or a strong ability to learn reporting/data warehousing tools preferred.

City:

State:

Community / Marketing Title: Senior Merchandise Planner (Hybrid)

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