We are seeking a VP of Merchandise Planning to play a crucial role in overseeing multiple categories and strategically planning the development of our products while focusing on effective inventory planning. In this role, you will not only meet strategic, financial, and brand equity objectives but also be involved in meticulous planning to optimize inventory levels. You will provide thoughtful planning to ensure that our product strategy aligns seamlessly with financial goals, while also maintaining a strategic approach to inventory management for sustained success.
Responsibilities
- Lead weekly and monthly financial review meetings, identifying corrective actions necessary to maximize sales and margin, and spearhead the financial forecast of the business in collaboration with Planning Leaders.
- Own in-season forecasting of business and replenishment buys to ensure the best in-stock levels
- Work directly with vendor partners to secure unit capacity and address in-stock challenges and/or procurement constraints
- Formulate comprehensive strategies for both long-term and short-term objectives
- Drive and execute product assortment strategies to deliver sales and margin forecasts
- Responsible for achieving all components of the financial plan including Demand, Net Sales, Margin, and Inventory Turn
- Analyze weekly/monthly business as part of the division to understand trends, issues, and opportunities to drive necessary actions
- Develop exit strategies for non-productive inventory to maximize GMROI
- Create and present divisional forecasts and action plans for monthly OTB meetings and Executive Business Reviews
- Conduct regular reviews and analyses of key performance indicators to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience leading and inspiring a successful planning team at a senior level
- Must enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and dynamic environment
- Proven track record of successful operation and leadership of a large team with multiple divisions
- Experience in top-down and bottom-up financial planning processes and a clear understanding of financial measures: sales, gross margin, weeks on hand, weeks of supply etc., and how to maximize them
- Previous experience with taking ownership to drive profitability of the division/departments and an understanding of how it impacts the total business
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills and must be able to present and support business strategies
- Lead, mentor and develop your direct team as well as the business
- Exceptional Excel skills and data analysis
