Associate Merchandise Planner

Woodwind & Brasswind; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the music retail industry as an Associate in Merchandise Planning. This hybrid role requires expertise in financial planning and category management, focusing on optimizing business outcomes. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and relevant experience, with strong analytical and organizational skills. Enjoy competitive benefits including health coverage, 401K, and employee discounts.

Benefits

Gig leave

Health coverage

401K

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in retail, merchandising, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Detail-oriented with effective communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial plans and forecasts aligned with category strategies.
• Analyze performance metrics and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office applications

Job description

The Associate, Merchandise Planning is a hybrid role bridging Merchandise Planning and Category Management, supporting the achievement of financial and strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include financial interpretation, planning, forecasting, and operational support to optimize business outcomes.

Merchandise Planning Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning and Forecasting:
   • Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning: Interpret and align financial targets by channel and department.
   • Bottoms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans: Develop detailed financial plans that support and align with category strategies.
   • Rolling Forecasts: Maintain and update forecasts at the department level in collaboration with Planners and Category Managers.
2. Category and Operational Support:
   • Product Flow and Risk Mitigation: Review inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
3. Reporting and Analysis:
   • Track weekly and monthly performance metrics.
   • Analyze special events and seasonal peaks.
   • Monitor vendor performance and inventory updates.
4. Data Reporting and Insights:
   • Prepare and share actionable insights through reports, including ad hoc analysis to support strategic decisions.
5. Communication and Collaboration:
   • Serve as a point of contact for internal communication requests.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives.
6. Special Events and Seasonal Peaks:
   • Support planning, preparation, and reporting for major events, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Category Management Responsibilities:

1. Price and Promotion Management:
   • Prepare and update price change sheets for vendor cost updates, MAP reductions, promotional prices, and reviews.
   • Seek approval from Category Managers and revise as needed.
2. Category and Operational Support:
   • Support item maintenance, pricing, promotional activities, and web asset audits.
3. Field Communication and Issue Triage:
   • Act as the first point of contact for internal queries via email and internal tools.
4. Reporting and Insights:
   • Generate reports on negative margins, weekly reviews, vendor performance, and inventory.
5. Master Assortment Management:
   • Assist with updates to Master Assortment documents for replenishment planning.

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies creativity and music, encouraging our teammates to find their own sound. We aim to create lifelong musicians and make a difference by enabling everyone to experience the joy of playing an instrument. Founded in 1952, Music & Arts has grown nationwide and is now part of Guitar Center, with over 225 retail stores and numerous educational and affiliate locations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years in retail, merchandising, or related fields.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting and planning.
• Analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility in scheduling.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications.

Why Join Us?

Enjoy benefits like gig leave, health coverage, 401K, employee discounts, and tuition reimbursement. Salary range: $50,000 - $60,000/year, depending on experience.

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. To request accommodations, contact [e-mail].