Associate Merchandise Planner

The Michael's Companies; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Michael's Companies in Irving, Texas, is looking for an Associate Merchandise Planner to support category management with strategic analysis for sales and inventory optimization. This role involves substantial planning, analysis, and close collaboration with Category Managers to ensure operational success.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, along with 2-5 years of retail experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. The position is full-time and offers comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and retirement planning.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years in retail experience required.
• Ability to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasks.
• Experience in retail planning or allocation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide analysis and recommendations to optimize sales, margin, and inventory.
• Create weekly sales and inventory plans at subclass level.
• Develop and implement merchandising strategies following financial timelines.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Project management

Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

BS in Business or related field

Tools

Michaels Financial Planning (MFP)

Planning system skills preferred

Job description

## Associate Merchandise PlannerApplylocations: Irving-Irving Corporate Office-3939 West John Carpenter Freewaytime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R00313146Support Center - IrvingThe Associate Category Management Planner will be a key business partner with Category Manager and Category Director (CM/CD) to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory.**Major Activities****Analysis:*** Provide CD/CM with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plans* Ensure corporate inventory initiatives are included in dept strategies* Optimize seasonal inventory flow* In season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resets* Partner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goals**Purchase Planning:*** Using MFP (Michaels Financial Planning) to create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programs* Owns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plans* Incorporates correction of errors* Recommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flow* Recommend optimal inner and master packs* Work with pricing and CD/CM to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend product* Evaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunities* Develop and adhere to critical timelines**Assortment Planning:*** Ensure assortments are completed within specific time frames* Participate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information, and make appropriate recommendations.**Reset support:*** Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timeline* Implement discontinue timing* Implement order placement timing for new product with CD/CM and Replenishment Team* Monitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecast* Update finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financials* Other duties as assigned**Minimum Education*** BS or equivalent* Business, retail or related field**Minimum Special Certifications or technical skills*** Microsoft Office literate, especially Excel**Minimum Type of experience the job requires*** 2-5 years in retail* Numerical analysis and project management experience**Other*** Ability to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasks* Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraints**Preferred Special Certifications or technical skills*** Planning system skills preferred**Preferred Type of experience the job requires*** 2+ years in retail planning or allocation preferred**Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.**At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com. Michaels offers a range of benefits to support team members and their families. Depending on position and eligibility, team members may have access to a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental, and vision coverage, telemedicine services, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, and various voluntary insurance options. All team members enjoy everyday perks such as employee discounts and access to partner discount programs. For a summary of benefits, visit the Michaels Benefits at a Glance page. For additional information regarding benefits, visit MIKBenefits.com **Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.** *Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).*