
Planner, Merchandise
- Northbrook, IL
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Manage end-to-end inventory strategy for product category, including new product buys, reorders, and end-of-life markdowns.
- Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department and company targets.
- In collaboration with Buyers, forecast sales, margin, and inventory at a category level based on changes in trend strategy or business climate.
- Lead monthly business review (OTB) to determine actions that will optimize sales and gross margin.
- Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies.
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Allocation, Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and vendors to enable successful business strategies and flawless execution.
- Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation, and cross-functional needs
- Work with the Buyer partner to develop promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
- Manage category planning operations, including critical deadlines, coding, hunt paths, and product lead times
- Strong financial acumen and experience in presenting data and analysis
- Lead or support a collaborative work environment within the Merchandising Department focused on distinctive products and an engaged customer experience.
- Strong communication skills within the team and department; work consistency and accuracy
- Aptitude for spreadsheets and planning tools
- Proven ability to work with attention to detail and accuracy
- Minimum of 3 years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying, or equivalent experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Experience with inventory management, IT systems, product pipeline process design, and promotional strategies