Associate Merchandise Planner

Associate Merchandise Planner

Nautica

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                                               

As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and exceed financial goals. The Planner’s key focus is generating an assortment architecture for a given area and creating a seasonal buy plan by classification and/or item while developing seasonal product strategies based on business opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional partners to execute their vision.

The Associate Merchandise Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments at the item/classification level.  Provides markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and sell thru objectives and delivers in-season financial projections (OTB) and strategies identifying risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Responsible for providing the Store Planning Team with the necessary guidance and direction to help them achieve their objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly and item level
Create pricing strategy by item that maximizes sales and gross profit
Reforecast business in-season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross functional partners and senior leadership
Create allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs.
Create and plan product assortments (item, color, size) for each product category
Review replenishment plans monthly by style/size with team to ensure optimal inventory which drive sales and turn goals.
Collaborate with cross functional departments to ensure success of product strategies
Other related duties to be assigned by direct supervisor
Frequent in person collaboration

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of 1-2 years of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical  experience
Business knowledge of retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts
Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets financial information accurately
Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business
Advanced excel skills necessary

Preferred:
• Knowledge of Financial Planning Applications (ie Microstrategy, Foresight)
• Ability to successfully collaborate with internal partners
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Able to independently organize and prioritize broad workload to meet deadlines
• Strong written communication skills                                               
• Outstanding verbal communication skills with the ability to influence
• Exhibits high standards and accountability; takes pride in accuracy 
• Results-oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency

5-6 PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES
•  Proactivity and Drive
•  Execution
•  Collaborative Spirit
•  Judgement
•  Adopt and Embrace Change

What you get:

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com