SUMMARY

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for owning planning, forecasting, and the open to buy process for their assigned area. This includes managing and leading a team of merchandise planners in the development and preparation of merchandise preseason financial plans, merchandise in-season financial forecasts, buy plans, open to buy and ad hoc analysis. This person partners with a Divisional Merchandise Manager and is a key leader of multiple Category Management Teams, ensuring the teams are driving to company goals that align with the JOANN Retail Strategy. The manager also collaborates with different buying teams, marketing and store operations in order to align merchandise strategy.

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for all merchandise planning functions for their assigned area along with the management and development of their direct reports.

JOB DUTIES

• Owner of the open to buy process. Responsible for all merchandise planning functions including the development of annual sales, margin and inventory plans. Manages Open-to-Buy monthly, with clarity on key components of basic, fashion and clearance.

• Resolves issues around Open-to-Buy including forecast accuracy, sell-thru, inventory concerns, selling velocity, markdown management, and any other business driving challenges.

• Develops, trains and coaches their team with best practices and data driven analysis. Develops and communicates performance goals, evaluates performance and provides constructive feedback on a timely basis.

• Provides recommendations and feedback in all processes including forecasts reviews, strategy meetings, category management meetings, etc.

• Utilizes critical thinking to provide focused, data driven analysis that leads to sound business decisions.

• Engage executive leadership to present business strategies, financial plans, and results.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage 3-6 direct reports who each own multiple shops within a division including performance management.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field

Experience Minimum: 6+ years of retail experience in merchandise planning, merchandising, space planning, inventory management or finance. 1-2 years of supervisory experience.

Experience Preferred: 6+ years of retail experience in merchandise planning, merchandising, space planning, inventory management or finance. 3+ years of supervisory experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This role requires in-person attendance 4 days a week at the Store Support Center (SSC) located in Hudson, OH. Flexibility to work remotely when requested is determined by management and business needs.
• Sit or stand at a workstation for extended periods while maintaining focus and productivity.
• Move around an office space and between buildings on a large campus, including reaching for files, retail product, supplies, or equipment, as well as the ability to adapt to various workstation setups.
• Work standard business hours and extended hours as needed based on task and project demands.
• Utilization of all communication styles - written, verbal, electronic options.
• Lift and carry office supplies, documents, retail product or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds as needed for tasks such as organizing or setting up workstations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effectively manage the analysis of sales trends, gross margin, inventory and OTB levels
• Monitor weekly performance to sales, inventory and margin targets
• Partner with merchant teams to identify business opportunities and risks to sales and margin
• Effectively manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize overstock or stockouts
• Ability to execute initiatives and balance priorities, results driven, and sales focused, organized with an ability to prioritize a variety of task
• Ability to use historical data for developing pre-season buy plans through partnership with buyers
• Able to communicate merchandise plans and strategies to key stakeholders, including senior management, buying teams, and store support teams
• Team player with excellent communication skills, knowledge of retail industry, analytical skills, financial acumen, independent decision making, problem identification, and resolution skills
• Able to identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness of merchandise planning processes
• Skillset with MS Office programs, specifically Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of replenishment, forecasting, and allocation fundamentals

#LI-ZH1

#LI-Onsite

This position will be located at:

5555 Darrow Road Hudson, OH 44236

Eligibility for benefits and incentives is dependent upon employment status. JOANN offers the following benefits and incentives to eligible Team Members:

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefit plans 
• Company-paid basic, Optional, and Dependent life insurance 
• Long-term disability and Company-paid Short-term disability 
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time  
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Team Member Discount

For more details on benefits and eligibility requirements, Click Here or visit https://joann.myben.site/

.