Must have 4+ years of Apparel Planning experience.
Overview:
A Retail Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to meet customer demand. They are responsible for developing and executing merchandise plans that align with the overall business strategy, optimize inventory levels, and drive sales.
Key Responsibilities:
- Merchandise Planning:
- Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans that support the company's sales and profitability goals.
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer insights to identify product opportunities and risks.
- Forecast demand for products and create optimal inventory levels.
- Collaborate with buyers and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Inventory Management:
- Monitor inventory levels and adjust plans as needed to optimize stock levels and minimize stockouts or overstocks.
- Implement inventory management strategies, such as demand forecasting, replenishment planning, and allocation.
- Analyze inventory performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Assortment Planning:
- Develop and manage product assortments that meet customer preferences and drive sales.
- Analyze product performance and make recommendations for product additions, deletions, or modifications.
- Collaborate with merchandising teams to ensure product alignment with brand identity and customer needs.
- Financial Analysis:
- Track and analyze merchandise planning performance against financial targets.
- Prepare financial reports and provide insights to support decision-making.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to improve profitability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with buyers, merchandising teams, operations, and supply chain to ensure efficient planning and execution.
- Coordinate with marketing and sales teams to align merchandise plans with promotional activities and customer initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in retail merchandise planning or a similar role.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to inform decision-making.
- Proficiency in using retail planning software and tools (e.g., JDA, SAS, SAP).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong understanding of retail industry trends and best practices.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques.
- Knowledge of supply chain management processes and systems.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
By effectively planning and managing merchandise, Retail Merchandise Planners contribute significantly to the success of retail businesses by ensuring customer satisfaction and maximizing profitability.
