Merchandise Planner- Direct to Consumer

Carhartt; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Merchandise Planner to develop and execute financial plans across multiple product categories. This role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory and drive sales, while also supporting the pre-season planning process. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Join a dynamic team where you can lead initiatives, influence business outcomes, and contribute to a culture of teamwork and innovation. If you are passionate about retail planning and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in planning or forecasting.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on retail math.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal assortments tied to financial targets.
• Collaborate with teams to maximize sales and inventory levels.
• Champion the Merchandise Planning process and best practices.

Skills

Retail Math

Forecasting Methodology

Analytical Thinking

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

MS Office

Excel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field

Tools

Planning Tools

Job description

Job Summary

The Merchandise Planner develops, manages and executes assortment, sales, inventory, and margin plans that tie to financial targets for multiple product categories across business channels. This individual contributes to the success of the organization by forging strong cross-functional partnerships, correlating historical and current trends, planning and forecasting multiple weekly, monthly, and annual KPI’s, optimizing inventory and is able to present, articulate and defend their plan position. The Merchandise Planner serves as the business manager for a specific book of business.

We Are All Leaders at Carhartt

In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

Representative Responsibilities

1. Develop seasonal assortment for assigned categories that tie to the financial targets for Revenue, Margin, Productivity, Average Inventory and Turn.
2. Support the pre-season plan review process. Partner with Merchandising to present, articulate and defend plan position in relation to global targets. Gain consensus from leadership and execute plan revisions prior to locking the original plan.
3. Review category level roll-ups in relation to prior forecast and original plan. Provide feedback and direction to teams consistent with the company’s top-down goals.
4. Articulate global trend of assigned categories in relation to department performance while reviewing key variances to prior forecast and original plan. Manage up opportunities and potential risk to Planning Leadership.
5. Partner with cross-functional teams to understand receipt flow and capacity constraints to maximize sales and productive inventory levels through review of inventory strategies to ensure inventory is meeting corporate turn goal.
6. Lead and facilitate monthly meetings to identify sales risks due to inadequate inventory levels, collaborate with cross functional teams to define and communicate solutions to leadership.
7. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve opportunities as they arise. Take a proactive approach to identifying potential roadblocks and seeks out resolutions in a timely manner.
8. Champion the Merchandise Planning process and related calendar. Work to ensure company best practices are adhered to and completed within the allotted timeframe.
9. Establish cross-functional relationships to promote best practices and process adherence; fosters collaboration and teamwork.
10. Participate and initiate additional projects as directed by Merchandise Planning Leadership, looking to improve reporting, process, and consumer experience.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a planning or forecasting field.
• Analytical thinker with strong aptitude for Retail math and forecasting methodology.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management and retail partners.
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize workload, juggling multiple concurrent projects and deliverables.
• Self-motivated, passionate and enthusiastic individual ready to bring energy and excitement to lead their business.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office and Planning tools) are needed, with advanced Excel capability.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Typical office environment; cubicle/office setting.
• Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer.
• Travel required up to 10% of time (may include international).
• This position has a Remote location: Associate will have no regular requirement to be on-site. Travel on-site is limited to special events.
• Carhartt is a tobacco-free workplace.