Vice President – Planning

• Leads the development of annual strategic category plans in collaboration with product and finance to align with the brand vision.
• Leading cross-functional teams in the execution of product strategy which includes optimal product mix, price position, margin achievement, and final product assortment matrix.
• Owns development of annual and monthly brand (vendor) sales/inventory plans at store level to deliver strategic initiatives.
• Develops strategies to maximize store in-stock inventory levels and receipt speed for special orders to maximize sales and customer’s needs.
• Meeting set financial targets including sales and gross margin dollars.
• Work with key stakeholders to build pricing Strategy that supports all aspects of the product life cycle and facilitates profitable sales growth
• Working closely with the heads of product, in-store visual and ecommerce teams to plan presentation of product assortments for optimal brand presentation and to drive sales
• Supporting store teams regarding merchandise stock levels and maintaining continuous communication and cooperation on product and store assortments
• Support the buyers and product managers in negotiations with suppliers and create strong and mutually beneficial relationships with our vendors
• Directs markdown strategy to drive margin and protect brand equity.
• Partner with Product Development to build an assortment that addresses trend and consumer opportunities. Drive communication of costing needed to maintain/improve margin.
• Evaluate and recommend system to improve the different parts of our purchasing and supply chain to fulfill customers’ orders (i.e., freight bidding, load management, etc.)

Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in merchandise planning or equivalent with 5+ years at a leadership level
• Strong analytical skills with an understanding of cause & effect financials
• Excellent strategic thinker
• Strong people management and proven success leading teams, category / product planning, vendor relations and negotiation
• Knowledgeable about buying/inventory-related technology, processes and reporting
• Self-reliant and resourceful
• Comfortable working with ambiguity
• Effective relationship building and collaboration across groups, with a demonstrated ability to handle difficult conversations.
• Confident presenting to Senior Leaders and influencing towards a common goal
• Superb collaboration, joint problem solving and influencing skills
• Strong track record of driving results and performance evolution
• Highly organized and able to prioritize
• Great attention to detail
• Strong with data analysis

Serious applicants please apply with resume below.