Associate, Merchandise Planning Business Office

Macy's; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Macy's is seeking an Associate, Merchandise Planning Business Office in New York to contribute to the development and execution of best-in-class merchandise planning strategies that align with corporate objectives. The role involves driving innovation, optimizing processes, and coordinating across divisions to set the standard for excellence.

You will analyze historical data, forecast demand, and prepare strategic presentations for VP/SVP/C-Suite audiences while collaborating with merchants,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 2–3+ years of relevant analytical experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic merchandise planning initiatives that elevate capabilities and drive competitive advantage.
• Provide independent and strategic financial division-level target recommendations to align plans with business strategies.
• Recap and review vendor performance; analyze financial metrics and share findings with executives.
• Prepare In-Season ROF Forecast, Pre-Season Plan, Weekly Business Review, and Long Range Vision analyses for senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes leveraging analytics, technology, and industry trends.
• Review, refine, and simplify reporting; partner with Planning Operations and Technology teams.
• Analyze historical sales, trends, and market information to forecast future sales and demand.
• Generate and maintain regular reports on sales, inventory metrics, and KPIs.

Skills

Financial acumen

Independence

Forecasting

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Change management

Communication

Visionary thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

BI tools

Job description

Be part of an amazing story.

Macy's is more than just a store. We're a story. One that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions...about inspiring stores and irresistible products...about the excitement of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.

Job Overview

The Associate, Merchandise Planning Business Office will contribute to the development and execution of best-in-class merchandise planning strategies. They will help drive innovation, optimize processes, connect cross functional teams and ensure alignment with company objectives, setting the standard for excellence in merchandise planning across the organization.

What You Will Do

• Support the development and implementation of strategic merchandise planning initiatives that elevate the organization's capabilities and drive competitive advantage.
• Provide independent and strategic financial Division-level target recommendations to drive business outcomes: drive cross-functional alignment of business strategies to plans.
• Recap and review Vendor performance: analyze financial metrics and suggest business driving strategies in collaboration with Merchants. Share findings with VP, SVP and C-Suite audience.
• Prepare In-Season ROF Forecast, Pre-Season Plan, Weekly Business Review, and Long Range Vision strategic analysis and presentation materials for VP, SVP, C-Suite audience.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in merchandise planning processes, leveraging advanced analytics, technology, and industry trends to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and consistency.
• Review, refine and simplify reporting used by the team, partnering with Planning Operations and Technology colleagues.
• Analyze historical sales data, current trends, and market information to forecast future sales and demand.
• Generate and maintain regular reports on sales performance, inventory metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress against targets.
• Support ad-hoc analysis and projects as needed.
• Meet deadlines while working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
• In addition to the essential duties mentioned above, other duties may be assigned.

Skills You Will Need

• Financial Business Acumen: Ability to understand and analyze financial aspects to make informed strategic decisions.
• Independence and Adaptability : Capability to work independently with minimal supervision and adapt to a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
• Demand Forecasting and Optimization : Proficiency in demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills : Strong analytical skills, including trend and pattern recognition, and the ability to solve problems efficiently.
• Strategic Planning : Proficiency in effectively planning and executing strategies to achieve objectives.
• Issue Recognition and Resolution : Capability to recognize issues and address them directly, ensuring smooth operations.
• Hold and Flow Optimization : Experience in optimizing and executing hold and flow strategies for inventory management.
• Change Management: Comfort and effectiveness in leading teams through change ensuring successful adaptation.
• Visionary Thinking: Ability to be a forward thinking and innovative leader with a vision to drive transformative strategies propelling family of business to new heights.
• Communication Skills : Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills to effectively convey information to stakeholders.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 2-3+ years of relevant analytical experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners
• Ability to read, write, and interpret documents such as reports and procedure manuals
• Highly analytical, strategic, and able to identify data trends and present risks and opportunities.
• Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages
• Strong PC skills, particularly Excel (vlookups, pivot tables, sumifs)
• Ability to manage workflow independently and effectively with minimal direction
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple projects and be flexible in response to changing priorities
• Highly self-motivated with a proactive approach to work responsibilities
• Strong team player who leverages