Sales Planning Manager
Apply NowCompany: La Jolla Group
Location: Irvine, CA 92620
Description:
Company Introduction
The La Jolla Group is a worldwide leader in the action sports apparel business segment with a fast paced, high-energy environment that is continually on the move. With prominent brands such as O'Neill, PSD Underwear, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles, and Hang Ten, La Jolla Group has proved to be a builder of great brands, a creator of innovative products, and a master of operational excellence.
Our team enjoys flexibility with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. We offer awesome discounts on our clothing brands, early release Fridays (2:00pm), occasional employer provided lunches, year-round fun events as well as a full benefits package! We believe our employees are our strongest asset and invest in their growth by focusing on developing their strengths.
General Summary
The Sales Planning Manager provides analytical data that supports all strategic sales initiatives, sales planning/forecasting/purchasing, and sales department efforts for all channels of distribution (Majors, Specialty and Value). This role focuses on forecasting, planning and purchasing using current and historical sales performance data. The Sales Planning Manager reports to the VP of Sales while supporting sales analytics for the Major Account Manager, Value Channel Sales Director, LJG Planning Team and Sales Reps. This role retains responsibility for conducting sales analysis across all accounts, ensuring the business operates efficiently and insights to enhance strategic decisions. While the role supports all channels, it also collaborates with other department managers to align strategies across all wholesale channels.
Essential Job Functions
Account Management & Sales Planning
Provide sales analytics to support seasonal sell in strategies and account management for all channels to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
Execute directed account growth strategies and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Analyze sales performance at the account level, ensuring sell-through, reorders, and optimized inventory levels.
Leadership & Team Collaboration
Collaborate with Major Accounts Manager, who attends sales meetings, presents product lines, and supports day-to-day account management.
Provide synergy with internal teams, including demand planning, marketing, and product development, to align forecasts, promotions, and product strategies with account needs.
Foster a collaborative sales culture to ensure professional growth and optimal performance.
Data-Driven Strategy & Reporting
Leverage sales analytics to identify trends, track performance, and provide actionable insights for strategy development.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting on sales performance, seasonal bookings, and forecasts for all relevant wholesale channels.
Provide regular updates on market trends and competitor activity, integrating findings into account strategies.
Financial Impact & Budget Management
Monitor and manage sales budgets, ensuring resource efficiency and alignment with financial goals.
Deliver accurate demand forecasts to support inventory management and minimize excess stock.
Maintain profitability across major accounts, analyzing gross margins and driving efficient channel strategies.
Collaboration with Value Channel & Cross-Functional Teams
While not directly managing the Value Channel (e.g., TJ Maxx, Ross), collaborate with the Value Channel Sales Director to share insights and strategies that align with the overall wholesale business.
Act as a bridge between all channels and internal teams to ensure smooth operations and alignment on goals.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Wholesale Sales Planning and Retail Operations: In-depth understanding of the wholesale landscape, especially major and specialty retail accounts.
Retail Trends and Market Dynamics: Knowledge of consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and industry trends to drive effective sales strategies.
Financial Acumen: Strong grasp of sales forecasting, seasonal pre-book requirements, gross margin analysis, and account level budgeting to maximize profitability.
Product Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of top performing styles from Oneill and the competition.
Data and Analytics: Proficiency in Excel and Full Circle. Familiarity with reporting tools and techniques to track sales performance, market trends, and forecasts across wholesale channels to drive informed decision-making.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute tailored account strategies that align with broader business objectives
Collaboration: Strong ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams such as demand planning, marketing, and product development.
Presentation: Effective presentation skills to communicate strategies to broader team.
Adaptability: Ability to pivot strategies based on changing market dynamics, customer needs, or competitive pressures.
Time Management: Excellent organizational and prioritization skills to balance multiple accounts, projects, and responsibilities.
Conflict Resolution: Skill in addressing and resolving conflicts with retail partners or internal teams while maintaining positive relationships.
Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail in forecasting, reporting, and managing sales data to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business or related field
3-5 Years of industry experience
Sales planning experience
Physical Requirements
Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.
La Jolla Group provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification. Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves of absence, and termination. La Jolla Group takes allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation seriously and will promptly investigate when such behavior is reported.
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
#LI-CR1 #LI-Hybrid
The La Jolla Group is a worldwide leader in the action sports apparel business segment with a fast paced, high-energy environment that is continually on the move. With prominent brands such as O'Neill, PSD Underwear, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles, and Hang Ten, La Jolla Group has proved to be a builder of great brands, a creator of innovative products, and a master of operational excellence.
Our team enjoys flexibility with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. We offer awesome discounts on our clothing brands, early release Fridays (2:00pm), occasional employer provided lunches, year-round fun events as well as a full benefits package! We believe our employees are our strongest asset and invest in their growth by focusing on developing their strengths.
General Summary
The Sales Planning Manager provides analytical data that supports all strategic sales initiatives, sales planning/forecasting/purchasing, and sales department efforts for all channels of distribution (Majors, Specialty and Value). This role focuses on forecasting, planning and purchasing using current and historical sales performance data. The Sales Planning Manager reports to the VP of Sales while supporting sales analytics for the Major Account Manager, Value Channel Sales Director, LJG Planning Team and Sales Reps. This role retains responsibility for conducting sales analysis across all accounts, ensuring the business operates efficiently and insights to enhance strategic decisions. While the role supports all channels, it also collaborates with other department managers to align strategies across all wholesale channels.
Essential Job Functions
Account Management & Sales Planning
Provide sales analytics to support seasonal sell in strategies and account management for all channels to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
Execute directed account growth strategies and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Analyze sales performance at the account level, ensuring sell-through, reorders, and optimized inventory levels.
Leadership & Team Collaboration
Collaborate with Major Accounts Manager, who attends sales meetings, presents product lines, and supports day-to-day account management.
Provide synergy with internal teams, including demand planning, marketing, and product development, to align forecasts, promotions, and product strategies with account needs.
Foster a collaborative sales culture to ensure professional growth and optimal performance.
Data-Driven Strategy & Reporting
Leverage sales analytics to identify trends, track performance, and provide actionable insights for strategy development.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting on sales performance, seasonal bookings, and forecasts for all relevant wholesale channels.
Provide regular updates on market trends and competitor activity, integrating findings into account strategies.
Financial Impact & Budget Management
Monitor and manage sales budgets, ensuring resource efficiency and alignment with financial goals.
Deliver accurate demand forecasts to support inventory management and minimize excess stock.
Maintain profitability across major accounts, analyzing gross margins and driving efficient channel strategies.
Collaboration with Value Channel & Cross-Functional Teams
While not directly managing the Value Channel (e.g., TJ Maxx, Ross), collaborate with the Value Channel Sales Director to share insights and strategies that align with the overall wholesale business.
Act as a bridge between all channels and internal teams to ensure smooth operations and alignment on goals.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Wholesale Sales Planning and Retail Operations: In-depth understanding of the wholesale landscape, especially major and specialty retail accounts.
Retail Trends and Market Dynamics: Knowledge of consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and industry trends to drive effective sales strategies.
Financial Acumen: Strong grasp of sales forecasting, seasonal pre-book requirements, gross margin analysis, and account level budgeting to maximize profitability.
Product Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of top performing styles from Oneill and the competition.
Data and Analytics: Proficiency in Excel and Full Circle. Familiarity with reporting tools and techniques to track sales performance, market trends, and forecasts across wholesale channels to drive informed decision-making.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute tailored account strategies that align with broader business objectives
Collaboration: Strong ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams such as demand planning, marketing, and product development.
Presentation: Effective presentation skills to communicate strategies to broader team.
Adaptability: Ability to pivot strategies based on changing market dynamics, customer needs, or competitive pressures.
Time Management: Excellent organizational and prioritization skills to balance multiple accounts, projects, and responsibilities.
Conflict Resolution: Skill in addressing and resolving conflicts with retail partners or internal teams while maintaining positive relationships.
Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail in forecasting, reporting, and managing sales data to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business or related field
3-5 Years of industry experience
Sales planning experience
Physical Requirements
Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.
La Jolla Group provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification. Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves of absence, and termination. La Jolla Group takes allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation seriously and will promptly investigate when such behavior is reported.
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
#LI-CR1 #LI-Hybrid