Manager, Merchandise and Retail Planning

Manager, Merchandise And Retail Planning

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap's Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site caf, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team!

The Manager, Merchandise and Retail Planning is responsible for developing and executing assortment, buying, and inventory strategies for the NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY retail locations. This role partners closely with Buying, Planning, Ecommerce, Retail Operations, Product Teams, and Store Leadership to ensure assortments align with financial goals, customer demand, and key business initiatives. The position plays a critical role in driving sales, optimizing inventory, supporting product launches, and creating a seamless omnichannel customer experience.

The E-Commerce Merchandising, Buying & Planning team at New Era Cap owns the company's digital business by planning product assortments, inventory levels, and digital sales strategies across online channels, in addition to the Buffalo Store + NYC Flagship. They analyze prior program performance data, forecast go forward demand, track inbound deliveries, prep all items for timely launches, and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure product availability and optimize the customer experience to drive e-commerce growth.

Responsibilities

• Determine NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY Store assortments through line plan process
• Execute On Field & Lifestyle buy plan templates in partnership with the Buying & Planning Ecom Director, Store Managers, and Retail Operations Senior Manager for all programs prior to close dates
• Utilize business acumen to ensure buys meet financial plans at a total, taking into account silhouette, team, color, and size matrixes
• Work with product teams to secure retail exclusive silhouettes, styles & colorways through quarterly line plan process
• Proactively work with cross functional teams to clarify program details as needed
• Maintain yearly calendar of relevant in-store events & program launch dates to create a cohesive launch strategy alongside Ecommerce for both the NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY Store
• Monitor program restricted sell dates and communicate changes in a timely manner to the store teams
• Identify mark down plan for future seasons using ageing product reports and own exit strategy for returning obsolete items to the distribution center
• Compile marketplace analysis as needed for competitive insights to ensure buys are appropriate and consider shifts in the marketplace/consumer tastes
• Work closely with the Planning Assistant Manager & Retail Planning Associate to pre-position inventory for scheduled launches, upcoming promotions and in-store events
• Own weekly Retail Stock requests to larger Planning team to ensure adequate service levels on top selling items
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of consumer goods in a retail environment; licensed sports marketplace is a plus
• Initiative to solve problems with impediments to processes
• Capable of collaboration with cross functional teams and process creation
• Clear communication skills
• Exhibits meticulous attention to detail & strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously & re-prioritize quickly
• Pro-actively manages change with urgency and persistence
• Ability/interest in utilizing sports industry updates to impact go forward buys
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field required. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of experience within buying and/or Planning required
• Experience within soft goods, or the retail environment preferred

Travel Requirement

• This position will be based in NYC and may require travel to Buffalo, NY (New Era Global Headquarters). New Era reserves the right to adjust this role to be in-office, full-time should a NYC office location be opened
• 25% - 40%; domestic

The salary range for this posted position is $90,000-$125,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

New Era Cap, LLC's casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!