Sr Planner, Merchandise (Pipeline)

Chicos Fas, Inc.; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Merchandise Planner to drive strategic planning and forecasting efforts. This role involves collaborating with Merchants to develop sales and inventory strategies, ensuring alignment with brand goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of retail math, enabling them to make informed decisions that maximize sales potential. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will contribute to the success of various brands, and help shape the future of retail planning in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about retail and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail merchandise planning and demand forecasting.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develops annual and seasonal plans based on sales and trend information.
• Partners with Merchants on inventory flow and sales projections.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Retail math skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, operations, or business

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Posted Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 4:00 AM

With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, it takes sophisticated technology, resources and infrastructure to ensure the continued success of our businesses. From finance and accounting to technology and merchandising careers, we have diverse opportunities available for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates who share our commitment to excellence.

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. This person will participate in key cross functional initiatives that align to the strategic goals of the brand. Areas of responsibility will be larger volume or more complex areas of business.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Partners with the Merchants on the development of pre-season sales, markdown, margin, sales and inventory.
2. Develops projections and inventory flow for key items/collections.
3. Provides other analysis related to driving business goals (e.g. hindsights, color-selling, etc.)
4. Forecasts monthly and seasonal plans, to ensure all orders fall within approved financial targets.
5. Analyzes and reacts to performance of strategy based on actual sales and current trend performance.
6. Partners with Merchant to develop and propose tactics in response to current business trends, such as:
7. Make recommendations for key financial meetings/decisions in order to maximize sales, margin and inventory productivity. Monthly plan review process: develop sales, markdown, receipt and inventory re-forecasts.
8. Manage and execute promotional and liquidation strategy.
9. Communicate revisions within the team and cross functionally.
10. Partners with cross functional teams to utilize seasonal selling curves by region, climate, and store attribute.
11. Exhibits initiative to look beyond the everyday business to look for opportunities to maximize sales potential.
12. Prepares and participates in Merchandise Review meetings (MBR, seasonal hindsight).
13. Acts as a resource and leader for planning team and cross functional partners.
14. May supervise and develop merchandise planner(s) and/or associate planner(s).

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in finance, operations, or business.
2. 5+ years of experience in: retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting; inventory management, allocation or replenishment; financial planning or financial analysis experience.
3. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology.
4. Makes decisions with limited information but also able to synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions.
5. Strong communication and presentation skills: concisely presents complex information/recommendations in terms meaningful to various audiences.
6. System proficiency with strong emphasis on Excel.
7. Builds collaborative partnerships cross-functionally; identifies/influences critical stakeholders.

Chico’s FAS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.