Merchandising/Brand Assistant

JOB ROLEThe merchandise planner is responsible for achieving sales and inventory plans in our retail stores that meet the assigned financial targets and company objectives. He or she  drives the sales plan through consistent focus on studying the business, monitoring inventory and sales performance. This position works closely with merchandising, allocations, and store operations and must partner with the merchant to optimize store assortments by clustering for multiple channels of distribution.DUTIES AND RESPonSIBILITIESPlans and forecasts for future merchandise buys based on historical buys, reoccurring buys and current inventory levels.Responsible for reviewing stock to sales ratios, responding to changing sales trends, and ensuring plan sales, plan markups, and plan markdowns are achieved by departmentsCreate allocation strategies based on seasonality, trend, store capacity and stock-to-sales, partnering with allocations to develop and implement these strategiesPerform bottoms up planning in terms of key item flow, sku sales plans, average stock, and replenishment requirementsJOB REQUIREMENTSCandidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Business Studies/Administration/Management, Marketing, Advertising,/Media, or any business-related course.Computer proficiency with advanced knowledge of Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, etc.)Requires sharp analytical skillsMust have 2 – 5 years of experience as a Merchandise Planner in a medium to large size retailerStrong aptitude with numbers and clear understanding of retail math Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize and meet deadlines particularly timely reports to merchants/principals.Superior communication skills; able to communicate persuasively, influentially and responsibly across a broad spectrum of stakeholders