Sr. Manager, Planning- Merchandise and Demand

Location:  Dearborn, MI

Department: Business Planning

Reports to: Sr. Director, Planning

Job Classification: Remote

FLSA: Exempt

Job Band: Manager 

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager, Planning- Merchandise & Demand oversees a team of planners providing leadership and strategic direction to optimize the financial results for the assigned areas of responsibility. This role contributes to the success of the organization by: Establishing and cultivating key business relationships with cross-functional partners, supporting and developing pre and in-season business strategies, developing and implementing analytical tools and tactics required to plan, developing and managing the execution of defined assortment and inventory planning best practices, cultivating the skill sets of direct reports and their teams.  This position collaborates closely with leaders from Merchandising, Finance and the business to drive merchandising and assortment strategies, and tactics that deliver upon planned financial objectives and ROI.

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 inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. 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.

Representative Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor and develop team of Planners, creating an environment that supports and rewards strong performance and development.
• Lead and facilitate the 3-year long range plan for the Men’s department.  Partner and gain insights from key stakeholders, including but not limited to Strategy, Sales, Merchandising and Finance.  Curate a projection by category that incorporates internal and external opportunities and risks.
• Develop and cultivate planner/merchant partnerships to create both pre-season and longer-range assortments and merchandise plans in alignment with organizational strategies and targets for the total company balancing sales, margin and inventory.
• Partner with Sales and Analytics to refine seasonal demand forecasts.  Ensure in season forecasts represent current sales trends, orders, contracts and key account insights.
• Lead, facilitate and/or contribute to GTM milestone meetings and key monthly meetings with senior leadership including but not limited to SKO, Merchandise Plan reviews, Demand consensus, Monthly Business review, Inventory review, SIOP, Revenue alignment and business reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to solve challenges they arise.  Take a proactive approach to identifying potential roadblocks and seek out resolutions in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the consolidated Men’s assortment plan that aligns with financial targets for Revenue, Margin, Inventory and Productivity. Drive the pre-season merchandise plan creation and review process.  Partner with Merchandising & the business to present, articulate and support the plan position in relation to global targets. Coordinate, consolidate and be the analytical voice for the Men’s Assortment.
• Manage product life cycle process in conjunction with Merchandising and Inventory Planning to ensure successful launches and market exits.
• Using historical trends and analyses, coupled with market intelligence and insights, identify areas of risk and opportunity to drive sales and margin in season.
• Responsible for the analytics required to optimize inventory and maintain healthy inventory ratios for the Men’s department.  Understand current trends to determine & plan the overall inventory buy in accordance with targets.  Partner with key stakeholders to provide visibility to projected surplus inventory.  Work cross functionally on action plans to maintain healthy inventory levels.
• Provide analytical support to maintain optimal assortment levels between mainline and special make styles
• Analyze current product performance to influence seasonal demand plans taking into account key account plans, order visibility and inventory availability. 

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 7-8 years of experience in a planning or forecasting field.
  • Minimum of 4 years of leadership experience with a track record of developing and attracting talent. 
• Retail or Wholesale Planning Solution experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management and retail partners. 
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, delegate and concurrently manage multiple projects. 
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships cross-functionally.       
• High level of analytical thinking with strong aptitude in forecasting methodology. 
• Flexible team player who thrives in dynamic and fluid environments.
• Motivated self-starter who takes initiative.  
• Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to lead through change, inclusive of processes and systems.
• Strong computer skills inclusive of Planning tools and Microsoft office, specifically excel and SAP.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Typical office environment; cubicle/office setting.  
• Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer.  
• Travel up to 25% of time (may include international) 

• This position has a Remote location: Associate will have no regular requirement to be on-site. Travel on-site is limited to special events.

• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

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