Planner, Backstage - Home

Macy's; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discounts

Performance-based incentives

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Macy’s is seeking a Director Planner for Macy’s Backstage to lead end-to-end financial planning, inventory management and strategic vision for a key off-price category. You will partner with the buyer to craft a data-driven category strategy, drive forecasts, and mentor a high-performing team, delivering results across multiple channels.

The role emphasizes collaboration, strategic thinking, and hands-on execution with Anaplan and other allocation tools to maximize value and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Strong communication and analytical abilities with business acumen.
• Experience with forecasting, inventory planning and ROF/OTB processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead full financial planning for the category, including pre-season and in-season planning.
• Partner with buyer to shape a data-driven category strategy.
• Develop pre-season plans and manage weekly open-to-buys at dept and class levels.
• Provide in-season forecasts and adjust for demand and conditions.
• Oversee inventory allocation by style to stores and doors.
• Drive opportunities to exceed plan through pricing, flow, and inventory decisions.
• Lead a high-performing team and mentor growth.
• Develop seasonal strategy documents with buying partners.

Skills

Excellent Communication

Analytical Skills

Detail-Oriented

Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Forecasting & Inventory

ROF/OTB Management

Risk & Opportunity

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Anaplan

A3

PGUs

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.

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

As the Director Planner for Macy’s Backstage, you will lead the end-to-end financial planning, inventory management, and strategic vision for a key category within our off-price business. Success in this role hinges on a strong, collaborative partnership with your buyer to shape and execute a compelling category strategy. You’ll combine sharp financial acumen with a deep understanding of the customer, leveraging data and cross‑functional tools to drive results. This is a dynamic, high‑impact role that offers the opportunity to influence the future of Backstage while mentoring a high‑performing team and championing innovation across the business.

What You Will Do

• Own and lead the full financial planning function for your category, including pre‑season and in‑season planning across all key metrics: sales, receipts, flow, gross margin, discounts, markups, and inventory.
• Collaborate closely with your buyer to co‑create and deliver a clear, data‑driven strategic vision for the category that balances financial goals with customer relevance.
• Develop detailed pre‑season plans down to the master class level and manage weekly open‑to‑buys at the department and class level.
• Deliver accurate in‑season forecasting, adjusting to shifts in consumer demand and macro conditions to optimize results.
• Strategically manage inventory to ensure optimal in‑store presentation and sales performance by category and door.
• Lead a team responsible for inventory allocation by style to stores, ensuring door‑level execution supports overall financial plans.
• Uncover and act on opportunities to exceed plan targets through strategic inventory, pricing and flow decisions.
• Drive strategic packaway planning, integrating it seamlessly into pre‑season, in‑season, and allocation strategies to maximize seasonal relevance and value recovery.
• Operate fluently in Anaplan and other key allocation tools (e.g., A3, PGUs) to drive planning efficiency and execution accuracy.
• Build and develop a high‑performing team, fostering engagement, growth, and readiness for the next level.
• Develop seasonal strategy documents in collaboration with your Buying counterparts that incorporate your category knowledge, competitive intelligence, consumer trends, Macy’s main box performance, and market share opportunities.
• Champion a culture of hospitality, curiosity and strategic foresight — anticipating what’s next for your category and acting on it with agility and innovation.

Skills You Will Need

• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for effectively conveying financial targets, strategies and performance insights to stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills and Business Acumen: Strong analytical abilities and a deep understanding of business operations are necessary for interpreting financial data, identifying trends and making informed decisions.
• Detail-Oriented and Results-Driven: Attention to detail is crucial for accurately analyzing financial information and ensuring strategic plans align with organizational goals.
• Collaboration and Influence: Ability to collaborate effectively with DMMs, cross‑functional teams and senior management, leveraging negotiation skills and influencing techniques to drive consensus and action.
• Problem‑Solving: Demonstrated track record of employing effective problem‑solving approaches and collaborating with diverse teams to address challenges and achieve objectives.
• Forecasting Analysis and Inventory Optimization: Proficiency in forecasting analysis and inventory optimization techniques is necessary to ensure efficient inventory management and meet financial targets.
• ROF/OTB Management: Experience in managing Rolling Operating Forecasts (ROF) and Open‑To‑Buy (OTB) processes, optimizing inventory levels to support business objectives.
• Risk and Opportunity Identification: Ability to identify, quantify and assess risks and opportunities, enabling proactive decision‑making and strategic planning.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands/fingers to touch, handle and feel. Occasionally required to move about the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.
• This position requires heavy lifting, constant moving, remaining in a stationary position and reaching with arms and hands. Involves remaining in a stationary position for at least two consecutive hours, lifting at least 30 lbs. stooping, kneeling, crouching and climbing ladders. May involve reaching above eye level. Requires close vision, color vision, depth perception and focus adjustment.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

What We Can Offer You

Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well‑being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.

Some Additional Benefits We Offer Include

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance‑based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.

About Us

This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in‑style and on‑trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.

This job description is not all‑inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment

This position may be eligible for performance‑based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.