Retail Planner

Danier Leather, Inc.; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail fashion industry is seeking a skilled individual for their merchandising team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in inventory management and financial planning, with a strong background in forecasting to drive sales performance. You will work closely with senior management to develop strategies and manage the merchandising budget for optimal sales and profitability. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a proactive approach to problem-solving, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in planning, inventory management, or demand forecasting.
• Proficient skills in Excel with knowledge of pivot tables and V-lookups.
• Fluent in English with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the Open to Buy (OTB) merchandising budget.
• Prepare assortment buying plans based on sales budgets and trends.
• Monitor inventory movement and develop forecasts.

Skills

Mathematical abilities

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree in merchandising, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Dynamics/Navision

Job description

Is this you?

You have a background in retail fashion apparel, thrive on working with numbers, and have a knack for forecasting and managing inventory in a fast-paced omnichannel environment. If so, we want you on our merchandising team!

What you will do…

Working directly with the Executive Managing Director, you will …

• Assist in development and management of Open to Buy (OTB) merchandising budget, gross margin targets, and allocation of funds by style, colour, size to ensure achievement of seasonal sales and sell-through targets.
• Prepare assortment buying plans consistent with sales budgets and historical and anticipated fashion trends.
• Develop, execute, and communicate strategic merchandise financial plans to support sales, product, and marketing objectives.
• Identify and analyze opportunities and risks associated with the business's financial position and trending performance.
• Monitor inventory movement, develop forecasts, and manage replenishment systems to maximize in-stock positions in key items and fast-selling retail markets.
• Manage in-season profitability to achieve or exceed seasonal performance at the category level.
• Lead merchandise allocation and consolidation processes across the national retail chain to maximize sales and gross margin profitability and support key window and promotional campaigns.
• Develop exit strategies and assist in markdown execution on aged and slow-moving inventory to maximize sales and retail floor space productivity.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Retail Operations, Ecommerce, Marketing, IT, and Finance staff to ensure effective implementation and execution of national strategies and plans and in-season adjustments.
• Conduct in-season and post-mortem analyses of sales and inventory.
• Participate in senior management meetings to provide analytics, key performance metrics, insights, and recommendations to meet financial objectives and ensure effective inventory management.
• Assess new assortment launch plans, identify risks and opportunities regarding product flow, sizing, depth, and presentation for omnichannel business.
• Perform other related special projects, ad hoc reports, and duties as assigned.

What you bring to the team…

• Equivalent of post-secondary diploma or degree in merchandising, business, or a related field of study.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant progressive experience in planning, inventory management, or demand forecasting, preferably in retail industry.
• Proficient computer skills with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, including pivot tables, V-lookups; knowledge of macros and Microsoft Dynamics/Navision is an asset.
• Exceptional mathematical abilities and quantitative and analytical skills.
• Fluent English written and verbal communication skills essential.
• Quick learner with ability to solve problems, use critical thinking, and apply sound judgment in resolving problems and escalating to senior management when necessary.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player with Finance, Ecommerce, Merchandising, Retail Operations, and Company owners.
• High degree of discretion and confidentiality with mature judgment and integrity critical in safeguarding competitively sensitive information.
• Demonstrated high degree of work organization and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and ability to work independently or as a team player.
• Demonstrates a sense of ownership and responsibility in task completion and follow-up of commitments.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, transition between tasks, and be flexible to adapt quickly to changing priorities while working under pressure and within time constraints to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Hardworking, positive, can-do attitude with ability to accept and learn from feedback.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality with a strong work ethic, conscientiousness, and reliability.
• Ability to follow directions and comply with work instructions and health and safety standards to maintain a safe work environment.