Retail Merchandise Planner

POSITION OVERVIEW:The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic plans by brand or category that drive sales and margin for a particular area of the business. By partnering with the Buyer, producing meaningful analysis, and accurate forecasting, the Merchandise Planner's goal is to maximize opportunities and minimize risks while managing the open to buy.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop and communicate pre-season sales, stock, receipt, and margin plans by brand or category based on historical data and current trends that support total company objectives.Manage area OTB to maintain appropriate stock levels, capitalize on emerging sales trends, and guide receipt flow to ensure volume driving product is received in timely manner.Manage area OTB and identify inventory risks due to slow sales performance or change in direction. Recommend shifts or cancels for product not meeting expectations while managing to the inventory plan.Re-forecast (sales, margin, and turn) OTB on a weekly basis and conduct bi-weekly meetings with buyers to discuss current business and plans of action as a team.Manage Ladder Plans for key items within area of responsibility to ensure appropriate stock levels are met throughout the year.Leverage Business Intelligence tools to develop relevant reporting and meaningful ad-hoc analysis to support buying team during pre-season and in-season time periods.Analyze size selling by market in order to determine appropriate size runs for orders shipped to regional distribution centers.Present category performance and go-forward strategies to management and entire Merchandising department with concise recaps and sound action plans.Partner with Buyer and develop seasonal business plans that lay groundwork to achieve plan results through identifying growth, maintain, and down-trending brands or categories.Work closely with Buyers and Merchandise Analysts to react to any opportunities or risks uncovered at the store level.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to multi-task and prioritize work in a fast paced environment. This individual must be a self-starter who needs little to no guidance on the basics of retail math and analysis. The requirements above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:2+ Years Retail Planning Experience with open to buy management responsibilities.4-year college degree (bachelor's degree) school is preferred.Strong computer skills; particularly Excel and Word.Strong Retail Math knowledge is a must.Candidate must understand all elements of OTB, as well as calculations for all metrics (sell-through, turnover, margin, AUR, etc.)ABOUT WSS:WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets. WSS currently operates stores throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. October 2021 WSS was acquired by Foot Locker, Inc. WSS is now proudly one of Foot Locker's banners under the WSS name.WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.