Senior Merchandise Planning Manager

About the Company
Whitehall Jewelers, Inc. is a leading national specialty retailer of fine jewelry with approximately over 300 stores in 38 states.  Founded in 1895 in Chicago, IL, the Company operates stores in regional and super regional shopping malls under the Whitehall Jewelers and Lundstrom Jewelers brands. Whitehall has attained its success by providing quality and value to its customers. We are seeking individuals with the desire to succeed and share in the rewards of being part of our team.

 

We currently have an opening for an Director of Merchandise Planning in our corporate downtown Chicago office.

 

The Director of Merchandise Planning must have an entrepreneurial approach to business and be willing to apply their merchandise planning skills in a dynamic, developing & collaborative corporate environment. This position is responsible for managing the merchandise plans and the Open-to-buy (OTB) at the subclass level, analyzing business patterns within the merchandise function to identify areas for improvement and presenting findings to management.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities







*Collaborates with Merchandise Buying teams to develop merchandise plans maximize sales, inventory, receipts and gross margin

*Monitors monthly OTB, inventory & receipts plan, making recommendations to adjust forecasts based on performance and trends

*Analyzes and reviews performance by merchandise classifications and store to identify opportunities and risks to the business; revise in-season plans for sales and profitability

*Manage merchandise planning process to ensure optimum in-stock position

*Develop reports to provide buyers with analysis to monitor the accuracy of forecasts and inventory availability and ensure that specific merchandise planning goals are met

*Develop and manage allocation strategies for Whitehall Jewellers stores

*Monitor inventory levels, store plans and store rankings by department/classification, and develop strategies to optimize inventory with new receipts and transfers/consolidations

*Develop and execute new store inventory allocation plans; to ensure new stores open with correct inventory levels and merchandise mix

*Perform ongoing analysis of store performance and markdown merchandise in order to make recommendations regarding the store's inventory composition

*Communicates recommendations and strategies to team and upper management

 

Requirements





*College degree - Business or related field

*5+ years of experience in: retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, allocation or replenishment

*Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate business analysis into strategy

*Strong problem-solving and negotiating skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology and decision making ability

*Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook

*Ability to work in a team/ collaborative environment

*Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, particularly in influencing and managing peer relationships, and relationships with senior level management

*Knowledge of merchandise management and replenishment software

*Working knowledge of JDA or similar merchandise planning software

Benefits
We recognize people as our most valuable asset. Our competitive salary and benefits package includes matching 401k, dental insurance, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick time, paid company holidays, subsidized public transportation, and paid vacations.

 

* Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment contingent upon successful completion of background investigation. Drug-free work environment. Pre-employment drug screening required.