Planning Manager

The Limited is looking for experienced talent with a positive attitude and a track record of success.  We have become a well established and recognized specialty retailer offering women's contemporary American casual and working apparel in 229 stores nationwide.  At The Limited, you will be part of our continued growth with the launch of our On-Line shopping experience…opening of new stores…expansion of existing locations…and the development of new concepts.  Now is a great time to join the team! 

Responsibilities:Management position responsible for establishing demand forecasts using various projections, market feedback and historical data.  Responsible for driving the business to profitable and sustainable growth by planning detailed sales, inventory levels and margin dollars for a Division.Manage the Division's financials by developing and gaining agreement on budgets, trends and plans; assuring that the financial strategy pursued is consistent with the Co objectivesPartner with Merchandisers and Planners to develop pre-season buy plans and architecture.Manage the development, analysis and revision of sales, inventory, and margin based upon merchandising strategies, reconciling both bottoms up and tops down analysisParticipate in thorough weekly review of the business with Merchandise and Allocation teams to monitor the business and react to risks and opportunitiesDevelop and maintain effective relationships with cross functional partners to ensure proper support and coordination of merchandise issues, recommending action and communicating needs for meeting business objectives.Communicate divisional objectives to Senior Management along with appropriate analysis and action plans to achieve them.Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through high level analytical and problem solving capabilities.Standardize planning processes and reporting in partnership with peers and leadershipPrioritize and execute tasks effectively in a fast paced environmentActively participate in training and coaching of peers and new associates.Inspire, educate and develop team of Merchandise Planners.Reports to Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning

 Qualifications:

Previous retail experience, Preferably 5 – 8 years of buying or merchandise planning experienceBachelor's degree or equivalent experienceAdvanced skills with Excel and working knowledge of retail math and/or cost accountingMust posses excellent organizational, prioritization and communication skills with a strong attention to detail