Manager - Merchandise Planning

Michaels•Irving, TX

11d

About The Position

The Manager - Merchandise Planning supports Merchandising by providing leadership to Planners to drive sales and margin objectives and ensure inventory levels are sufficient to support financial objectives. This Team Member is responsible for oversight of detailed bottoms up weekly/monthly reforecasting utilizing Oracle’s Merchandise Financial Planning system. This individual will develop and maintain a strong partnership with Category Directors and Managers to successfully run the business. The Manager - Merchandise Planning will work cross-functionally; interacting with a wide range of departments including Merchandising, Sourcing, Inventory Management, Finance, Marketing, Pricing, Space Planning, Stores, and Supply Chain / Distribution.

Requirements

Proficient MS Excel abilities
5-7 years in Merchandise Planning, Allocation or Merchandising in the retail industry
Planning and replenishment system experience
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills
Strong leadership capability and ability to influence decision making process
Demonstrates ability to lead and influence a cross functional team
Clearly demonstrates ability to approach problems and analysis creatively

Nice To Haves

BS in Business, Finance, Retail or related field preferred
Business, logistics, finance or supply chain preferred
Demonstrate a working knowledge in Oracle MFP, EXCEL, MicroStrategy, RETEK and ACCESS a plus

Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning Partner with Merchants and the Inventory Management Team to ensure detailed and accurate forecasts, analysis, timely receipt flow, and proper levels of merchandise for all Basic, Seasonal, and Trend programs
Own the first review of financial plans for departments within area of responsibility (pre-season and in-season)
Monitor/manage the weekly forecasts prepared by Planners to ensure that the bottoms-up plans reflect current market conditions, trends and strategies
Validate Reg/Promo/Clearance Sales and GM plans are accurate based on promotional cadence
Review wave breaks to ensure receipt flow is appropriately positioned to support sales
Occasionally lead division level financial review meetings and monthly forecast reviews with Sr. Management
Accountable for providing actionable analysis and recommendations to Category Directors and Director - Merchandise Planning to inform business decisions
Assortment analysis to inform seasonal purchase plan and reset decisions
Provide ad-hoc analysis as required based on business needs
Own the first review of assortment plans and POG Walk documentation for division (across all departments)
Accountable for Planogram/Reset financial preparation and review, including Dual/Multi-Location product sets
Accountable for managing to seasonal/trend sell-through targets in categories of responsibility
Accountable for margin management including discounts, pricing and markdown activity for categories of responsibility as well as inventory flow, receipts, turn and EOP goal attainment
Manage cross-functional team timeline accountability with regard to pre-season and in-season planning, strategy reviews and seasonal purchase plans
Drive accountability with planners to seek out opportunities to maximize performance as well as improve processes
Provide leadership and training to planners through coaching and development in the following areas:
Creating/maintaining bottoms up plans and forecasts
Creating and managing seasonal/trend ladder plans
Preparation of seasonal/trend purchase plans
Analytical evaluation of seasons, trends and POGs
Accountable for proactive communication to Category Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, Store Operations, the vendor community and all other cross functional teams as to share information and ensure clarity and proper execution
Encourage two-way communication and promote shared learning
Actively work with cross functional team members to create a positive and pro-active working environment.
Achieve active participation through effective leadership skills rather than compliance.