Director of Planning
Salary undisclosed
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Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Forecasting: Lead the development of seasonal merchandise plans, sales forecasts, and inventory strategies to support the brand’s sales goals and seasonal objectives. Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to drive demand forecasting and planning accuracy.
- Assortment Planning: Collaborate with design, merchandising, and buying teams to ensure the product assortment is aligned with brand strategy, customer preferences, and market trends. Develop and execute strategies for product allocations and replenishments, ensuring that all key categories are adequately stocked.
- Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, working closely with the supply chain team to optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory. Monitor product sell-through and adjust buying and inventory strategies accordingly.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize advanced analytics and planning tools to make data-driven decisions. Monitor sales, stock levels, and performance metrics, adjusting forecasts and plans based on real-time data.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the design, merchandising, marketing, and sales teams to ensure alignment across all functions. Provide insights and recommendations to inform product development, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies.
- Seasonal Reviews & Performance Analysis: Lead post-season reviews and performance analysis to assess the effectiveness of the merchandise plan. Identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance future planning cycles.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of merchandise planners, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ensure the team meets deadlines and business objectives.
- Vendor & Supplier Coordination: Partner with key vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products and manage product flow from production to stores. Negotiate terms and manage vendor relationships to maximize profitability.
- Budget Management: Oversee the merchandise planning budget, ensuring that all strategies are implemented within financial parameters. Work with finance and senior leadership to track performance and recommend adjustments.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Fashion, or related field (MBA preferred).
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably within the contemporary or luxury RTW fashion industry.
- Proven track record in leading merchandise planning functions, driving sales, and optimizing inventory management.
- Strong understanding of fashion industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
- Expertise in merchandise planning software (e.g., SAP, Retail Analytics, Excel, etc.).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring teams.
- Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to think creatively while balancing business objectives and financial goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Forecasting: Lead the development of seasonal merchandise plans, sales forecasts, and inventory strategies to support the brand’s sales goals and seasonal objectives. Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to drive demand forecasting and planning accuracy.
- Assortment Planning: Collaborate with design, merchandising, and buying teams to ensure the product assortment is aligned with brand strategy, customer preferences, and market trends. Develop and execute strategies for product allocations and replenishments, ensuring that all key categories are adequately stocked.
- Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, working closely with the supply chain team to optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory. Monitor product sell-through and adjust buying and inventory strategies accordingly.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize advanced analytics and planning tools to make data-driven decisions. Monitor sales, stock levels, and performance metrics, adjusting forecasts and plans based on real-time data.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the design, merchandising, marketing, and sales teams to ensure alignment across all functions. Provide insights and recommendations to inform product development, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies.
- Seasonal Reviews & Performance Analysis: Lead post-season reviews and performance analysis to assess the effectiveness of the merchandise plan. Identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance future planning cycles.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of merchandise planners, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ensure the team meets deadlines and business objectives.
- Vendor & Supplier Coordination: Partner with key vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products and manage product flow from production to stores. Negotiate terms and manage vendor relationships to maximize profitability.
- Budget Management: Oversee the merchandise planning budget, ensuring that all strategies are implemented within financial parameters. Work with finance and senior leadership to track performance and recommend adjustments.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Fashion, or related field (MBA preferred).
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably within the contemporary or luxury RTW fashion industry.
- Proven track record in leading merchandise planning functions, driving sales, and optimizing inventory management.
- Strong understanding of fashion industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
- Expertise in merchandise planning software (e.g., SAP, Retail Analytics, Excel, etc.).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring teams.
- Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to think creatively while balancing business objectives and financial goals.