Merchandise Planning and Allocation Director
Merchandise Planning and Allocation Director
This position will support the merchandise function by conducting financial analyses for assigned categories. Know the assortment and merchandising strategies of each category and develop analytical strategies to compliment the merchandise strategies and improve gross margin and sales volume. Control open to buy and seek to maximize ROI and turn. Recognize business trends and revise forecasts and plans as needed and suggest supplemental contingency plans where and when necessary. This position works with the Marketing, Finance, Distribution Center and IT departments as needed to create and execute the merchandising plans. The position also works with the Oracle’s support team for support of the merchandise planning system.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Develop, maintain and update top level sales and margin forecasts and open to buy budgets.
- Manage SKU level plans, forecasts, orders and SKU status updates.
- Ensure accurate, timely execution of purchase orders, manage SKU allocations, and oversee inventory flow to support business objectives.
- Support department plans/forecasts.
- Build ad hoc reporting for DVPs and analyze business as required.
- Analyze assortment details and their impact to the business. Complete trend analyses for new merchandise and catalog analyses.
- Formulate annual and semi-annual sales, margin, and inventory plans twice a year.
- Partner with Buyers, Distribution, and other departments to coordinate merchandise strategies, large-volume events, and weekly business updates.
- Work with Distribution department to coordinate large-volume merchandise events.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with key partners across Merchandising, Store Operations, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Training to align on goals and execute initiatives effectively.
- Identify trends and opportunities to tailor product assortments and marketing strategies for focus stores and regions. Collaborate with Buyers and Planners to deliver targeted, relevant product.
- Seven or more years of retail planning or buying experience required.
- Experience in product planning and forecasting, vendor negotiations, pricing analyses and inventory control is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of core buying skills required.
- Previous supervisory experience preferred.
- Extensive jewelry knowledge preferred, along with demonstrated vendor negotiation experience and project management skills.
- Strong analytical and advanced retail math skills required along with systems proficiency with Excel, Word and planning systems.
- Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills required along with flexibility and adaptability to changing business strategies.
- Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.