Job Details

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and manage financial plans by department, class, and channel to achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals
• Lead pre-season and in-season planning, including open-to-buy (OTB), assortment strategy, and promotional cadence
• Analyze historical data, market trends, and customer insights to inform future strategies

Inventory Optimization

• Oversee inventory flow and ensure alignment with sales forecasts and promotional plans
• Identify risks and opportunities in stock levels, recommending actions such as reorders, markdowns, or transfers
• Partner with allocation and supply chain teams to ensure timely and accurate product distribution

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI
• Deliver weekly/monthly business reviews with actionable insights and recommendations
• Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability and customer engagement

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, store operations, and e-commerce teams to align on business objectives
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to team development and process improvement
• Act as a thought leader in planning meetings, driving innovation and best practices

Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic Thinking:

  Ability to translate data into actionable business strategies

• Analytical Expertise:

  Advanced proficiency in Excel and planning tools (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle)

• Communication:

  Strong presentation and collaboration skills across departments

• Retail Acumen:

  Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior

• Leadership:

  Experience mentoring and influencing cross-functional teams

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field
• 5–7 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty or omnichannel retail
• Proven track record of driving financial results and leading planning initiatives