VP Merchandise Planning

If you are in search of an all around great experience, then KB Toys is the place for you! KB Toys, Inc. is the nation’s largest mall-based specialty toy retailer, operating close to 400+ stores in 44 states, the American Territory of Guam and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. A more than 80 year old Company, KB Toys is privately held and headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. We are a company that knows that business can and should be FUN! If you like children and playing with toys, then you’ll love KB Toys! Our success? It’s our employees! One-on-one with our customers, the fun filled atmosphere and service that our associates provide is KB Toys. Thus we look for and expect the best from our employees. KB Toys recruits and hires energetic employees who thrive in a fast-paced environment focused on sales, customer service and most of all FUN! We recognize that a career is about loving what you do while being a part of an exciting team of professionals. Recruiting, developing and retaining the very best are fundamental to KB Toys’ success. As a company, KB Toys shares a passion for an animated work place, great product and above all, outstanding customer service. We are dedicated to our employee’s growth, taking a special interest in assisting in the achievement of their career goals. We invest the time to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to meet those goals. We fully believe in and are committed to promoting from within when possible, creating unlimited growth opportunities within the company. From our beginnings as a wholesale confectionery business in 1922, we have grown and continue to grow into a significant presence in the retail toy industry. With a great new store design, customer centered focus and actionable mission, now is a very exciting time for us and we look forward to sharing that excitement with you! POSITION SUMMARY: This person will collaborate with Merchandising, Finance and Distribution management to drive an environment of best practices and consistent execution of all aspects of financial planning & forecasting, assortment planning/transition management and store level allocation/replenish. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Drive organization in order to achieve sales, gross profit dollars and turnovers. · Drive consistency and application of best practices processes across all classes of business for Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Store Replenishment. · Drive department Information Technology initiatives, best practice process change and various special projects for the overall benefit of the department. · Responsible for ensuring all initiatives and assortment support for all KB store formats (Mall, Strip, Toyworks, Outlets, new, remodels, and Puerto Rico), and that the assortments in each format are optimized to drive each business. JOB SPECIFICATIONS: · Seven to ten years experience leading a Merchandise Planning Team. · Expert knowledge of Arthur Planning Systems or other merchandise planning tools required (i.e. Makaro, I2, JDA). · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Technology or related field or equivalent work experience. · Strong independent thinking, ability to work in teams, and willingness to challenge others. · Ability to work in face-paced, highly seasonal environment. · Proven excellence in identifying and communicating business insights to upper management. · Expert knowledge of analytical tools (i.e. MS Office Excel, Access and other ad-hoc query tools). We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes: - Medical, Dental, Vision - Flexible Spending Accounts - Short term disability - Company paid and supplemental life insurance - 401k savings plan with company match - Paid vacations, holidays, personal time and sick time - Generous employee discounts up to 30% - Opportunities for advancement And much more! Whether you’re looking for a part-time position or a long term career, exciting opportunities exist for you at KB Toys! Visit us at www.kbtoys.com to learn more about the NEW and EXCITING KB!