Merchandise Planning Manager
Apply NowCompany: Citi Trends, Inc.
Location: New York, NY 10025
Description:
Department: Planning
Title: Merchandise Planning Manager
Reports to: Director of Merchandise Planning
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: New York/Hybrid
JOB SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for playing a critical role in shaping our merchandise strategies and ensuring that our inventory aligns with market demands and company goals. This role requires a data-driven leader with a strong background in merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory management. The Merchandise Planning Manager will play a critical role in building a positive work culture, driving employee involvement, and supporting change management efforts within the retail organization.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise planning strategies to optimize inventory levels, sales, and profitability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align merchandise plans with business objectives and
market trends.
Create accurate sales forecasts and inventory plans based on historical data, market trends, and
promotional activities.
Analyze sales data and performance metrics to identify opportunities and risks, adjusting plans as
needed to meet targets.
Oversee inventory levels across multiple channels, ensuring optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and markdowns.
Implement inventory strategies to enhance turnover rates and reduce carrying costs.
Work closely with vendors and suppliers to manage product assortment, order quantities, and delivery schedules.
Negotiate terms and manage relationships to ensure the best possible service and product availability.
Lead and mentor a team of merchandise planners, providing guidance and support to drive
performance and professional development.
Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment.
Prepare and present regular reports on merchandise performance, including sales, inventory levels, and forecasts, to senior management.
Communicate key insights and recommendations to stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Proven expertise in forecasting, inventory management, and sales analysis. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
Proficiency in merchandise planning software and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
Occasional travel will be required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in merchandise planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must frequently use their hands to handle or feel objects and must be able to speak and hear clearly.
The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws is prohibited.
Title: Merchandise Planning Manager
Reports to: Director of Merchandise Planning
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: New York/Hybrid
JOB SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for playing a critical role in shaping our merchandise strategies and ensuring that our inventory aligns with market demands and company goals. This role requires a data-driven leader with a strong background in merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory management. The Merchandise Planning Manager will play a critical role in building a positive work culture, driving employee involvement, and supporting change management efforts within the retail organization.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise planning strategies to optimize inventory levels, sales, and profitability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align merchandise plans with business objectives and
market trends.
Create accurate sales forecasts and inventory plans based on historical data, market trends, and
promotional activities.
Analyze sales data and performance metrics to identify opportunities and risks, adjusting plans as
needed to meet targets.
Oversee inventory levels across multiple channels, ensuring optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and markdowns.
Implement inventory strategies to enhance turnover rates and reduce carrying costs.
Work closely with vendors and suppliers to manage product assortment, order quantities, and delivery schedules.
Negotiate terms and manage relationships to ensure the best possible service and product availability.
Lead and mentor a team of merchandise planners, providing guidance and support to drive
performance and professional development.
Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment.
Prepare and present regular reports on merchandise performance, including sales, inventory levels, and forecasts, to senior management.
Communicate key insights and recommendations to stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Proven expertise in forecasting, inventory management, and sales analysis. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
Proficiency in merchandise planning software and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
Occasional travel will be required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in merchandise planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must frequently use their hands to handle or feel objects and must be able to speak and hear clearly.
The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws is prohibited.