Oversees the development and execution of the product plans from merchandise planning to the merchandise allocation stage. This leader will effectively exhibit JD Finish Line's core values of Customer, People, Winning, Community, and Financial Responsibility in everything they do by performing the following key duties:
Partner with the VP of Planning and DMM to define and lead the department's financial strategy, aligning team efforts with corporate goals.
Develop top-line merchandise plans (annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly) for Sales, Margin, and Inventory, executed by the Product Planner/Merchandiser teams. Ensure accurate goal-setting during quarterly strategy meetings and brand sign-offs.
Manage and coach planners to apply accurate forecasting, considering business trends, new products, promotions, and cost structures in pre-season and in-season planning.
Oversee inventory management, ensuring alignment with inbound capacity and budget, promotional strategies, and in-stock levels for both stores and online.
Monitor sales, inventory, and margin performance, reforecasting as needed to maximize profitability.
Supervise markdown execution and inventory aging to ensure profitability.
Support new/remodeled store openings with proper assortments and product levels.
Collaborate with allocation teams to optimize inventory levels across channels. Develop tools for managing Sales, GM%, Inventory, and Markdown allowances.
Lead the team to meet financial goals through hiring, training, performance management, and issue resolution.
Directly supervises employees.
Perform additional duties and projects as required.
Required Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university and at least 8 - 10 years' experience in a Planning and Allocation role, preferably in a leadership capacity, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Internal JD Finish Line experience strongly preferred.
Required Computer and/or Technical Skills
Should have advanced knowledge and abilities with Microsoft Excel. Individuals should have intermediate knowledge and abilities with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and Google Suite software.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. The requirements listed 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.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sit for more than 6 hours per shift
Use hands to finger, handle and feel
Reach with hands and arms
Talk and/or hear
Walk or move from one location to another
Occasionally may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally
Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company's policies are required for the position.
Average work week is 45 - 55 hours, which can vary depending on business need.
The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting.
Spending less than 5% time traveling (by air or land).
The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy.