JR MERCHANDISE PLANNER NF3

Job Description: Develops and ensures accuracy of seasonal merchandise financial plans down to the store level in the Statistical Analysis System or SAS, the internal planning system based on agreed upon goals with the Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager and General Merchandise Manager (GMM).Partners with Merchandising team in planning and developing strategy for the merchandise financial plans to include sales volume, inventory turn, gross margins, receipts, markdowns, and markups. Leads the Merchandising team through the weekly and monthly Open-to-Buy process to review current business in relation to the merchandise financial plan. Provides recommendations to improve business conditions regarding sales and inventory while analyzing trends and forecasting appropriately. Works with the merchandising staff to initiate in-season financial plan revisions in response to positive or negative trends in business. Oversees the markdown process to include prior month forecasting, in-month management and future season forecasts by department and at the total level. Works with the Merchandising staff to appropriately address issues affecting profitability throughout the season to include markdowns, shrink, initial markups, etc. Works with business operations and the merchandising staff to ensure the new store/remodel process is planned with appropriate assortments on the front-end. Develop Assortment Plans and works with the merchandising staff to develop and review stock assortment to compare against historical performance and future trends. Provides output documents and buy plans to assist merchandising staff with purchases. Executes reporting that provides senior management with snapshots of actual performance by all plan components on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. Gathers pertinent data to evaluate needs; conducts historical and trend research, reviews reports, and directives. Conducts and organizes portions of analytical studies and analyses for MCCS retail programs and services. Make recommendations on corrective actions and conduct follow-up meetings. Works with Replenishment Analysts and Planogram Specialists to ensure accuracy and appropriate execution of replenishment and planograms in accordance with financial goals. Reviews initial product category setup of automatic replenishment as well as periodic maintenance reviews and call to attention any significant variances that would risk plan achievement. Conducts presentations using a variety of techniques and methods. Prepares correspondence, briefs, action documents, routing sheets, point papers, slide presentations and training sessions. Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists partners and communicates positively in a friendly manner. Take action to solve problems quickly. Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor. Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment. May work a fluctuating work schedule to complete work assignments outside of the typical work week and work hours. Performs other related duties as assigned.