Associate Inventory Planner - Golf Softlines

In collaboration with the A/R Managers, Merchandise Planners and Buyers, the Associate Inventory Planner facilitates and implements Allocation and/or Replenishment strategies for the mid-level businesses that they support. These strategies will determine how to most effectively utilize our inventory to support the merchandise plan, advertising, regional, and competitive initiatives. Build new store plans and ensure that new stores open with the correct assortments and appropriate inventory levels. Job Duties And Responsibilities Allocate bulk purchase orders using the Allocations system. Place replenishment purchase orders. Maintain proper inventory levels by store location to support sales, margin and turn goals. Partner with the AR Manager and Buyers to identify opportunities and action plans for merchandise allocation and replenishment buy strategies. Review regular instock reporting for key and advertised items. Determine actions to correct instock issues in a timely manner. Utilize knowledge of customer needs/wants to make decisions regarding system settings, processes, and procedures to maximize the experience of internal and external customers, both in-store and through our omni-channel operations. Facilitate meetings with Buyers and Merchandise Planners on item flow based on ladder plans, replenishment forecasts, OTB, and advertising schedule. Determine next steps from these outcomes. Partner with AR Manager/Inventory Planner to manage and oversee cluster creation for areas of responsibility. Train and mentor Interns and Merchandise Trainees. Manage and oversee item eligibility through the Item Eligibility (ITEL) application for areas of responsibility. Ensure proper assortment within allocation systems and instock reporting based on climate, regionality, seasonality, etc. Overall Analysis: Analyze and communicate product, size, color and regional inventory needs. Partner with Buyers and Size Profiling team to review size, color, and seasonal profiles down to store level to ensure appropriate buys and allocations. Work with vendors to improve order fill rates, raise issues on lead time, and provide projected inventory need for future months’ orders. Recommend and execute inventory re-balancing opportunities, as necessary. Research and respond to store merchandise needs and wants. Participate in Regional and Store specific conference calls to identify and action store needs and opportunities. For new and existing stores: Collaborate with Merchants to create merchandise financial and assortment plans for new stores. Monitor new store performance after opening to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained. Create ad-hoc analysis to react to current and future business trends and present findings to AR Manager/Inventory Planner, Buyers and Merchandise Planners. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree 3-5 years of experience, including 2+ years’ experience in merchandise allocations and/or planning. Advanced level Excel skills (Vlookups, pivot tables, advanced formula calculations) JDA Allocations and/or E3 experience required Strong mathematical skills Training experience required Strong communications skills #J-18808-Ljbffr DICK'S Sporting Goods