NEW JOB OPENING
RETAIL MERCHANDISE PLANNER
IN Atlanta, GA, USA!

***Only qualified Merchandise Planner who is local to Atlanta, GA can be considered for this position due to onsite presence***



This role is responsible for all merchandise/inventory planning responsibilities including oversight of the logistics/supply chain for a new international retail store concept. This role is part of the Client Global Licensing & Retail (L&R) team and will work in collaboration with the local Operating Unit and Operating Agency.



Education Requirements:

• 4-year College Degree



Required Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience retail planning (preferably with apparel experience)

• Retail merchandise planning experience in a fast-paced environment

• Track record of delivering financial results

• Experience with international retail stores preferred

• Apparel/Accessories experience preferred

• Experience launching new stores or concepts

• Merchandise financial planning and Open to buy management

• Experience leveraging data and insights from consumer data, industry trend and qualitative and quantitative research to drive results

• Strong understanding of retail KPIs and proven track record of driving business results

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Creative and strategic thinking

• In tune and consistently keeping up with consumer and market trends

• Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills

• Strong project management capabilities

• Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity

• High-level of flexibility and ability to self-manage including tolerance for last minute changes

• Ability to thrive in a networked environment

• High attention to accuracy and detail

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Power Point, Power BI

• Successful performance record



Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee all merchandise related responsibilities for a new concept

• Manage ongoing cross category merchandise assortment (apparel & hardlines) tailored to the target consumer & market and aligned to the overall strategic vision of the brand and store

• Responsible for planning and managing the Open-to-Buy for the store, ensuring targets are met including Sales, Gross Margin and Avg Stock

• Work with vendors and with Client Store Merchandise Planners to place orders and forecast replenishment needs

• Coordinate order timing with US store order placement to ensure MOQ’s and cost targets are met

• Manage replenishment and in season reorders, ensuring product is in stock and arrives on time

• Partner with logistics agency, international trade team and suppliers to manage all aspects of the supply chain

• Work with QA, Product Developer and Suppliers to ensure local product regulatory requirements are met

• Manage licensing contract amendments and new contracts for suppliers

• Partner with Visual Merchandiser to execute compelling and profitable presentations and product placement

• Work with VM on an ongoing basis to re-merchandise as needed to maximize sales

• Establish and execute liquidation plans as needed

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buyer, Planners, Strategy team, Visual Merchandising Coordinator, Product Developer, Marketing and Operating Agency

• Conduct analysis and produce reporting and actionable recommendations on a weekly and monthly basis

• Provide category, class and item performance analysis and present to leadership

• Continually review and analyze productivity, category and item selling, and recommend actions to optimize the business performance

• Assess learnings and propose assortment changes as needed to maximize results

• Create Product Knowledge decks to educate store teams

• Create and maintain assortment plans reflective of all product and costing information

• Create product related presentations for leadership and cross functional teams

• **Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.**

• **Please note that all Position start dates and duration are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements.**