Merchandise Planner

Marshall Retail Group; Carthage (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic retail company is looking for a Merchandise Planner to manage inventory flow and ensure product availability. The role involves collaborating with the Buying team, leading a small team, and utilizing analytical tools to drive sales and profitability.

Benefits

FREE Life Insurance

Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Flex Time Off

401k with company match

Huge Employee Discount

Comprehensive training & career development

Competitive pay!

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory management and planning.
• Ability to lead and train a small team.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory flow and ensure product availability.
• Collaborate with Buying team to drive sales strategies.
• Prepare forecasts and optimize inventory assortments.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Tools

Smartlook

Aptos Analytics

Job description

Dynamic and growing retail company is seeking a Merchandise Planner!

Working as part of a category-focused team, the Merchandise Planner is responsible for ensuring product availability for customers by managing inventory flow through the supply chain and supporting the Planning Manager in executing the merchandise plan. The role involves collaborating with the Buying team to develop strategies that drive sales and profitability, proactively identifying issues and opportunities, and creating solutions to improve business outcomes. The Merchandise Planner will prepare forecasts and plans, including inventory and assortment optimization recommendations.

The Merchandise Planner will lead a team of 1-2 Replenishment Planners/Analysts, providing training, coaching, and daily task guidance. Success will be measured by metrics such as sales, receipts, markdowns, margin vs. budget, inventory levels, warehouse stock %, OTIF, and in-store availability.

• FREE Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flex Time Off
• 401k with company match
• Huge Employee Discount at all our stores
• Comprehensive training & career development
• Competitive pay!
• And more!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the Planning Manager and Buying team to manage OTB and understand category strategies, including new initiatives and growth opportunities.
2. Ensure store availability targets are met, with appropriate reporting to track availability at various levels.
3. Communicate OTB and availability risks with category and functional leaders, and recommend actions to mitigate issues.
4. Identify and suggest improvements to support increased sales or stock turn, such as optimizing store assortments or rationalizing ranges.
5. Manage core items' projection, ordering, and replenishment processes, including order calculation, submission, confirmation, and PO management.
6. Coordinate with vendors, stores, and internal teams to resolve discrepancies, compliance issues, RTVs, and cycle count recommendations.
7. Utilize analytical tools like Smartlook and Aptos Analytics to prepare reports for the team.
8. Allocate merchandise effectively, balancing inventory levels across stores and categories, and resolving flow issues.
9. Maintain forecast models for Allocation & Replenishment, including seasonality, lead times, and vendor review schedules.
10. Develop inventory and assortment plans for new stores in collaboration with the team.
11. Analyze new store openings and initiatives post-launch to ensure replenishment metrics are met and adjust as needed.
12. Plan and manage seasonal product strategies, including sell-through and risk reporting.
13. Build strong relationships with vendors and internal teams, ensuring timely and focused communication.
14. Visit stores regularly to understand customer needs and assess the effectiveness of planning and allocation strategies.
15. Demonstrate the values of WHSmith North America daily.