Merchandise Planner to join our Business Strategy, Planning & Allocation team at Browns Shoes. This role is responsible for driving the financial health of the Women’s business by aligning inventory investments with sales targets.
You will develop sales and inventory plans, analyze business performance, and identify opportunities to optimize sales throughout the product lifecycle. Working closely with Buying, this is a highly analytical and business focused role where you will directly influence key decisions and drive business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop seasonal, monthly, and weekly merchandise plans for the Women's business throughout the season and recommend actions to achieve plan
- Develop and manage a Core/Carryover tracking process to ensure inventory coverage
- Build and manage an Open-to-Buy
- Monitor sales, margin, pricing, inventory, and receipt forecasts to ensure inventory investments support financial targets
- Identify any missed opportunities, opportunities and risks
- Own the delivery flow process to maintain healthy inventory level’s during key selling periods
- Develop pre-season and in-season forecasts based on historical performance, market trends, and current selling
- Support annual budgeting and seasonal planning processes
- Prepare weekly and monthly business performance reviews
- Identify in-season risks and opportunities for sales and inventory
- Analyze product and category performance to support profitable growth
- Present actionable insights and recommendations to Buying and Leadership
- Markdown Recommendations and Lifecycle analysis
- Develop clear reporting that supports informed business decisions
- Continuously improve planning processes, reporting, and analytical tools
- Partner closely with Buyers to influence assortment and inventory strategies
- Partner across planning team to share best practices and ground on departmental actions and strategies. Align on processes to have a cohesive experience with cross-functional partners and leadership
- Collaborate with Allocation to optimize inventory distribution across stores and web
- Work with Supply Chain Team to manage inventory flow and receipt timing
- Support cross-functional teams with data-driven recommendations to improve business performance
What We’re Looking For
- 2 to 5 years of merchandise planning experience, preferably within fashion, footwear or apparel; experience in Women’s footwear considered an asset
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into commercial decisions
- Experience managing merchandise financial plans, inventory forecasts, and Open-to-Buy
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with merchandise planning systems is considered an asset
- Business Acumen
- Strong understanding of retail planning fundamentals, including sales forecasting, inventory management, margin optimization, and assortment planning.
- Ability to balance financial objectives with customer and market needs
- Commercial mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Communication & Influence
- Strong storytelling skills with data
- Comfortable presenting to cross-functional teams
- Ability to challenge and influence stakeholders constructively
- Proactive and curious
- Ownership mentality (follows through from insight → action → result)
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, test-and-learn environment
What’s In It for You
- Group Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employer Contributions to your RRSP
- $ annual exercise reimbursement
- Subsidized cafeteria and free breakfast
- Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
- Free weekly yoga sessions
Why Join Us
- Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Inclusive Culture: Work in a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes positive communication and teamwork.
Browns Shoes welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
CA$73,196.00–CA$113,981.00 yearly
Full-time +2
Please note that our recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with administrative and screening functions but do not replace human review or decision-making processes.