Planner

Russell Tobin & Associates is currently seeking a Planner - Travel Retail to work for our client in the Retail/Beauty industry. Apply now for consideration Contract : January 1, 2025 - May 30, 2025 Location : Columbus, OH or New York City Pay Rate : $25-$30/hour DOE Summary : The Planner is responsible for providing topside support across all merchandise categories for a specific region within the Travel Retail (TR) business. Additional support will be required within a specific category of the business to ensure we are looking at that category globally. The Planner will work closely with the Regional Area Managers to develop an aligned Sales and Open-to-Buy forecast to achieve an aligned on topside sales plan. Within the specific category support area the Planner will work with VSG MP&A and Ops team to ensure inventory is allocated correctly and timely. Responsibilities: Sales and Inventory Planning Creates process to align Open to Buy (OTB) forecasts with Partners. Apply market trends and regional preferences to breakdown category sales and open-to-buy to support buys and allocations; communicates buys to category planners. Develop a close working relationship with Regional Area Managers. Work closely with in-market team to understand regional nuances, seasonality, Holiday’s, etc. Retail and Shipped Sales Forecast Aggregates Forecasts of retail and shipped sales across Partners/Brand for current and prospective seasons; completes Tops Down Forecast, comparing to Regional Bottoms Up Aligns on merchandising strategy and in-market activity while building forecasts Reporting and Analysis Develop standardized reporting for cross functional teams: Regional selling reports, product recaps, inventory ownership and regional level selling variances Call out inventory risk and opportunity through analyzing retail and shipment sales trends and make recommendation on action plan Experience: 4-6 years of experience in Planning or Allocation (preferably in a wholesale environment) Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to analyze and understand quantitative data Ability to draw conclusions from extensive data and present it in an understandable format Ability to drive results through strong attention to detail and accurate and effective communication Excellent retail math skills; Excellent technical proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint Excellent communication, organizational, prioritizing, and problem-solving skills Strong collaboration skills; Fosters positive cross-functional relationship Demonstrated ability to achieve business results while managing multiple priorities Ability to be a team player and to foster a commitment to teamwork among other associates Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing change, when needed Curiosity and passion to drive results Convey a sense of urgency and enthusiasm for the business Must be able to work in a matrixed environment Russell Tobin / Pride Global offers eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity), a 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, and employee discounts with preferred vendors.