Associate Merchandise Planner

Associate Category Management PlannerThe Associate Category Management Planner will be a key business partner with Category Manager and Category Director (CM/CD) to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory.Major ActivitiesAnalysis:Provide CD/CM with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plansEnsure corporate inventory initiatives are included in dept strategiesOptimize seasonal inventory flowIn season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resetsPartner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goalsPurchase Planning:Using MFP (Michaels Financial Planning) to create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programsOwns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plansIncorporates correction of errorsRecommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flowRecommend optimal inner and master packsWork with pricing and CD/CM to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend productEvaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunitiesDevelop and adhere to critical timelinesAssortment Planning:Ensure assortments are completed within specific time framesParticipate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information, and make appropriate recommendations.Reset support:Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timelineImplement discontinue timingImplement order placement timing for new product with CD/CM and Replenishment TeamMonitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecastUpdate finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financialsOther duties as assignedMinimum EducationBS or equivalentBusiness, retail or related fieldMinimum Special Certifications or technical skillsMicrosoft Office literate, especially ExcelMinimum Type of experience the job requires2-5 years in retailNumerical analysis and project management experienceOtherAbility to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasksAbility to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraintsPreferred Special Certifications or technical skillsPlanning system skills preferredPreferred Type of experience the job requires2+ years in retail planning or allocation preferred