Merchandise Planner (Chico's)

Knitwell Group; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chico’s in Fort Myers seeks an experienced Merchandise Planner to translate the Merchants’ vision into viable plans across Omni channels, developing annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly targets that meet financial goals.

You will partner with Merchants to craft pre‑season sales, markdown, margin, receipt and inventory plans, forecast performance, and provide analysis to drive optimal stock and profitability, including participation in Merchandise Review meetings (MBR).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business preferred.
• 4+ years in retail merchandise planning, forecasting, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, financial planning or financial analysis experience.
• 3 years of retail experience in merchandising/buying or allocation.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology.
• Builds collaborative partnerships cross-functionally; identifies/influences critical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the Merchants on the development of pre-season sales, markdown, margin, receipt and inventory.
• Develops projections and inventory flow for key items/collections.
• Provides other analysis related to driving business goals (e.g. hindsight’s, color-selling, etc.).
• Forecasts monthly and seasonal plans, to ensure all orders fall within approved financial targets.
• Analyzes and reacts to performance of strategy based on actual sales and current trend performance.
• Prepares and participates in Merchandise Review meetings (MBR, seasonal hindsight).
• Partners with Merchant to develop and propose tactics in response to current business trends, such as: MBR, reforecasts, promotional and liquidation strategy.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Retail math

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business

Tools

Excel

Job description

About us

Established in 1983 in a small Sanibel Island boutique filled with artfully stylish pieces, Chico’s has evolved to inspire accomplished women to embrace and express their individuality through effortless chic and unique styles. We’re dedicated to making women feel confident and beautiful. Build your career with a team that empowers you.

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

This position is responsible for the development of annual, seasonal, monthly, and weekly plans utilizing current sales and trend information. This position is primarily responsible for translating the Merchant’s vision into viable plans and profitable results across Omni channels.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with the Merchants on the development of pre-season sales, markdown, margin, receipt and inventory.
• Develops projections and inventory flow for key items/collections.
• Provides other analysis related to driving business goals (e.g. hindsight’s, color-selling, etc.).
• Forecasts monthly and seasonal plans, to ensure all orders fall within approved financial targets.
• Analyzes and reacts to performance of strategy based on actual sales and current trend performance.
• Prepares and participates in Merchandise Review meetings (MBR, seasonal hindsight).
• Partners with Merchant to develop and propose tactics in response to current business trends, such as:
  • Makes recommendations for key financial meetings/decisions in order to maximize sales, margin and inventory productivity Monthly plan review process, develops sales, markdown, receipt and inventory re-forecasts
  • Manages and executes promotional and liquidation strategy
  • Communicates revisions within the team and cross functionally
• Partners with cross functional teams to utilize seasonal selling curves by region, climate, and store attributes.
• Exhibits initiative to look beyond the everyday business to look for opportunities to maximize sales potentials.

This position may be found in multiple brands. Some duties may vary from brand to brand.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business preferred
• 4+ years of experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting; inventory management, allocation or replenishment; financial planning or financial analysis experience
• 3 years of retail experience in merchandising/buying or allocation
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology
• Makes decisions with limited information but also able to synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions
• Strong communication and presentation skills; concisely presents complex information/recommendations in terms meaningful to various audiences
• System proficiency with strong emphasis on Excel
• Builds collaborative partnerships cross-functionally; identifies/influences critical stakeholders

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Location:

Corporate FAS Retail Services - Fort Myers, FL 33928

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business.The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.