Merchandise Planner

Container Store; Coppell (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Merchandise Planner to enhance its inventory management and sales forecasting. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for creating and maintaining SKU-level sales forecasts, ensuring optimal inventory levels across multiple distribution centers and stores. Your analytical skills will help drive strategic decisions, while collaboration with the merchandising team will support overall sales goals. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's success. If you have a knack for numbers and a passion for retail, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in merchandise planning and allocation preferred.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills are essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Forecast product sales by SKU for all channels of business.
• Manage inventory end-to-end for all Distribution Centers and Stores.
• Analyze sales and merchandise reporting to suggest actions.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Mathematical Skills

Collaboration

Data Reporting

Inventory Management

Education

College Degree

Tools

MicroStrategy

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Overview

The Merchandise Planner position is responsible for creating and maintaining product SKU/Weekly sales forecasts for an estimated 1,000-1,500 SKUs. The SKU level sales forecast drives end-to-end replenishment including Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-store. This position manages all aspects of inventory at the SKU & department level to support sales for all channels of business.

Responsibilities

• Forecasts product sales by SKU for all channels of business at the week level for approximately 1,000-1,500 SKUs
• Monitors and adjusts SKU level forecast to achieve department sales plan
• Reviews forecast exceptions on a regular basis
• Reviews and updates the SKU forecast to drive purchase order engine
• Responsible for approval of all purchase orders inbound to all DCs
• Manages inventory end-to-end for all Distribution Centers and Stores
• Owns inventory from launch of an item to final markdown
• Integral part of the Merchandising Team (Buyer, Planner, Assistant Buyer, and Visual Merchandiser) accountable for Sales, Turn, and all aspects of inventory management
• Balances inventory between multiple DCs to maximize sales
• Supports stores to maintain proper inventory levels
• Manages SKU level replenishment settings to ensure proper inventory levels in stores and DC
• Allocates merchandise to stores and analyzes inventory & sales
• Leverages planning and analytical expertise to maximize sales, inventory and gross margin
• Analyzes department, category and product SKU level performance on a weekly, monthly and season level
• Partners with the Buying Team to develop one, three, and five year category plans
• Develops pre-season plans for marketing campaigns, seasonal assortments, and new items
• Analyzes sales and merchandise reporting, draws conclusions and suggests courses of action
• Supports Buying teams with ad-hoc analysis with various projects and tasks as needed

Qualifications

• College degree preferred
• 3-5 years of merchandise planning and allocation experience preferred
• Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth area on a hybrid schedule
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner
• Additional PC skills - Experience with data reporting systems (MicroStrategy) are a plus
• Knowledge of automated retail replenishment systems in both Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-Store
• Knowledge of merchandise/SKU/sales trends relationships
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across all areas of the business
• Must be at least 18 years of age