Senior Planner, Merchandise

Crate and Barrel; Northbrook, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate and Barrel in Northbrook, IL is seeking a Senior Planner to lead Allocation Analysts and own the inventory and financial forecast for a product category. The role blends planning and allocation management to drive profitable sales and customer satisfaction.

The position is on-site in Northbrook with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays, supporting collaboration with Merchandising and Buyers to optimize assortment and markdown strategies.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in merchandising, planning, buying or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to present data clearly.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the allocation strategy for the assigned product category.
• Coach Allocation Analysts to support planning foundations.
• Manage inventory strategy including new buys, reorders and markdowns.
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department targets.
• Forecast sales, margin and inventory at a category level with trend changes.
• Lead monthly business review (OTB) to optimize sales and gross margin.
• Collaborate with Buyers on assortment planning and promotional strategies.
• Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation and cross-functional needs.
• Foster collaboration within Merchandising to enhance customer experience.

Skills

Financial analysis

Data presentation

Team leadership

Merchandising knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics or related field

Job description

The Senior Planner leads a team of Allocation Analysts aligned to a specific product category (Housewares, Furniture or Textiles/Decor) and is responsible for the allocation strategy. In addition, the Senior Planner is responsible for the inventory strategy and financial forecasts for their segment of the business. This role is a combination of Planner and Allocation manager. The goal is to maximize company sales growth and profitability by working closely with the Divisional Planning manager and merchandising team on designing and implementing thoughtful inventory and mechandise strategies that promote profitable sales growth and satisfy customer demand.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

A day in the life as a Senior Planner...

• Develop and manage the allocation strategy working closely with the Director of Planning and Divisional Planning Manager
• Coach and develop the Allocation Analyst to provide the foundation for Planning
• Manage inventory strategy for product category including new product buys, reorders and markdowns
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department and company targets
• In collaboration with Buyers, forecast sales, margin and inventory at a category level based on changes in trend, strategy or business climate.
• Lead monthly business review (OTB) at the class level to determine actions that will optimize sales and gross margin.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies.
• Work closely with Buyers to identify sales opportunities through effective strategic assortment planning.
• Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation and cross-functional need.
• Work with Buyer partner to develop promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
• Foster a collaborative work environment within the Merchandising Department focused on distinctive product and an engaged customer experience.
• Manage category planning operations, including critical deadlines, coding, hunt paths and product lead-times.

What you'll bring to the table...

• Strong financial acumen and experience in presenting data and analysis.

We'd love to hear from you if you have…

• Previous Experience
• 3-5 years in merchandising, planning, buying or equivalent experience preferred.
• Demonstration of planning and allocation subject matter expertise
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics or related field preferred.