Merchandise Planner plans and forecasts for future merchandise buys based on historical buys, reoccurring buys and current inventory levels. Responsible for reviewing stock to sales ratios, responding to changing sales trends, and ensuring plan sales, plan markups, and plan markdowns are achieved by departments. Being a Merchandise Planner plans and coordinates merchandise flow-through. Inputs and maintains data in various merchandising systems. Additionally, Merchandise Planner may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Merchandise Planner gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Merchandise Planner typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
The Merchandise Planner will be responsible for the complete financial management of assigned area of responsibility, including the creation of financial plans, actualization of results, and a keen ability to identify, communicate, and implement strategic business opportunities at the division, category, and Omni channel levels. The Planner will forecast sales, gross margin, and inventory levels on a regular basis and identify risks and opportunities to achieving inventory goals.
· Develop pre-season Omni channel financial plans at the weekly, monthly, and quarterly fiscal time periods. Leverage historical data, trend analysis, merchant input, and strategic growth initiatives. These plans include sales, inventory, receipts, AUR, and gross margin at the category level.
· Develop pre-season inventory flow of fashion receipts.
· Reforecast in-season sales, gross margin, and inventory for all fiscal time-periods.
· Collaborate with merchant on the buy process to recommend optimal units and promotional cadence to achieve sales and gross margin guidance.
· Independently develop and present the financial strategies associated with grow, maintain, and decline categories.
· Comfortable with presenting to multiple audiences. Actively listen, engage and respond to business partners and leadership in response to opportunities and challenges.
· Maintain and take accountability for delegated tasks.