Associate Planner

Description 
 
The Associate Planner analyzes, tracks and reports on data to assist in the identification and execution of merchandise plans as a member of the Merchandise Planning team. Primarily focused on forecasting and minimizing forecast errors. Assists in the development and revision of item level financial plans. This role would also include the responsibility of building, maintaining and running critical business reports on a daily and weekly basis. Reports to Planning Director. This role is onsite 5 days in Columbus, OH.
 
Key Responsibilities  

• Initiate forecasts for new style-colors as they meet the basics criteria 

• Review and analyze business performance and basics trends 

• Responsible for size buys for both new and ongoing style-colors 

• Work with allocator to review size level opportunities 

• Present basics forecast and financial information at Merchandise Buy Review meetings 

• Gather and transmit all inventory buy information to production partners once approved, ensuring it gets put on-order in a timely manner 

• Supply managers with long-term style and color volume projections to enable procurement capacity planning 

• Assist in initiating forecasts for both wholesale and third party businesses 

• Ability to build, run and maintain reporting that is utilized by the leadership team 

• Empowered to make decisions in partnership with their leader while also balancing input from cross functional team members 

• Actively pursue growth and development opportunities, continually finding ways to improve 

• Communicate openly and directly; accept responsibility and champion ideas despite challenges 

• Foster teamwork by being a valued team player and building good cross functional relationships 

Required Skills and Experience 

• 2-3 years of experience in retail merchandise planning, demand planning, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, financial planning or financial analysis 

• Multi-store distribution and allocation experience is preferred 

• Understanding of merchandise as it relates to company strategy 

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 

• Capable of learning quickly and seeking out information/answers on your own 

• Ability to effectively balance working well independently as well as in a team environment 

• Capacity to advance to high levels of computer literacy in relevant systems: Excel, Power BI, Dynamics 365 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience  

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.