Associate Merchandise Planner

Position Summary As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and exceed financial goals. The Planner’s key focus is generating an assortment architecture for a given area and creating a seasonal buy plan by classification and/or item while developing seasonal product strategies based on business opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional partners to execute their vision. The Associate Merchandise Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments at the item/classification level. Provides markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and sell‑through objectives and delivers in‑season financial projections (OTB) and strategies identifying risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Responsible for providing the Store Planning Team with the necessary guidance and direction to help them achieve their objectives. Overview Associate Merchandise Planner – Nautica Key Accountabilities Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly and item level Create pricing strategy by item that maximizes sales and gross profit Reforecast business in‑season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross‑functional partners and senior leadership Create allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs. Create and plan product assortments (item, color, size) for each product category Review replenishment plans monthly by style/size with team to ensure optimal inventory which drive sales and turn goals. Collaborate with cross functional departments to ensure success of product strategies Other related duties to be assigned by direct supervisor Frequent in person collaboration Preferred Experience & Technical Proficiencies Bachelor’s Degree Minimum of 1-2 years of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical experience Business knowledge of retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets financial information accurately Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business Advanced excel skills necessary Preferred Knowledge of Financial Planning Applications (ie Microstrategy, Foresight) Ability to successfully collaborate with internal partners Strong problem solving and analytical skills Able to independently organize and prioritize broad workload to meet deadlines Strong written communication skills Outstanding verbal communication skills with the ability to influence Exhibits high standards and accountability; takes pride in accuracy Results-oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency 5-6 PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES Proactivity and Drive Execution Collaborative Spirit Judgement Adopt and Embrace Change Pay Range USD $62,700.00 - USD $114,000.00 /Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr