Sr Planner- Merchandise

Position Details

Position Location: Dearborn, MI
Department: Business Planning
Reports To:  Mgr, Merchandise Planning

Job Status: Remote
FLSA: Exempt
Job Band:  Professional

Summary

The Senior Merchandise Planner develops, manages, and executes sales, inventory and margin plans that tie to financial targets for multiple business units and product categories.  This individual contributes to the success of the organization by forging strong cross-functional partnerships, correlating historical and current trends to inform both near-term and future business decisions, planning and forecasting multiple monthly and annual KPI’s, optimizing inventory, and is able to clearly present, articulate, and defend their plan position.  The Senior Merchandise Planner directly manages a designated category within Women’s and oversees the total Women’s 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 dependable, because hardworking people count on us to have their back every day. 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate Planner/Merchant partnerships to create long range, pre-season, and in-season forecasts, and inventory strategies in alignment with organizational strategies and targets. 
• Support the pre-season plan review process, in-season reforecasting, and post-season hindsighting.  Partner with Merchandising to present, articulate and support the plan or forecast position in relation to global targets.
• Compile and review Women’s department level roll-ups in relation to prior forecast, target, and prior year(s).  Provide feedback and direction to teams consistent with the company’s top-down goals.
• Lead and manage Women’s cross-functional projects, delegating as necessary, with support from Women’s Planning Manager.
• Partner with Merchandising and Inventory teams to identify areas of opportunity within the assortment to drive sales and margin, and mitigate inventory liability using historical trends and analyses, coupled with market and consumer insights. 
• Partner with cross-functional teams to efficiently manage product life cycle for the assigned book of business.
• Lead and facilitate monthly meetings with key partners to understand current business trends and inventory position, proactively identifies actionable risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve opportunities as they arise.  Take a proactive approach in identifying potential roadblocks and seeks out resolutions in a timely manner.
• Coach, inspire, guide, and develop planners, create an environment that supports and rewards strong performance and professional growth.
• Lead change to enhance and develop more efficient/effective best practices and processes that support our targets/goals.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a planning or forecasting field
• Active listening skills, strong written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management and business unit partners.  Exude confidence and aptitude to clearly present and explain ideas. 
• High level of analytical thinking with strong aptitude for forecasting methodology
• Engaging approach to leading and inspiring others
• Outstanding organizational skills with a natural curiosity and interest in problem-solving
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and delegate workload, juggling multiple concurrent projects and deliverables
• Strategic vision to enhance and develop more efficient and effective best practices and processes
• Advanced computer skills (MS Office Suite and Planning tools) are needed

Working Conditions

#LI-Remote