Location: Philadelphia, PA or Pittsburgh, PA - preferred
Position Summary:
The Director of Retail Planning is accountable for maximizing sales and profitability in alignment with the company strategies and brand. They will develop and execute strategies across relevant product categories to achieve short and long-term financial goals (sales, margin, profitability). This involves developing and executing robust product and pricing strategies, driving product development with the in-house design team, devising compelling marketing and promotions programs, and maintaining a focus on continuous learning and improvement. This individual takes an active leadership role responsible for evolving the culture through a customer-first mindset, fostering cross-functional team collaboration, and supporting the continuous evolution of business processes to maximize resources.
Responsibilities:
Review and analyze consumer demographic characteristics, sales trends, retail landscape and other relevant data to interpret, financially plan for and react to emerging market trends and conditions
Determine appropriate competitive strategies to drive category product development, good/better/best quality merchandise assortment and quantity, purchase, pricing, margin, promotion and clearance to maximize revenue and margin
Partner with merchandise planning to develop and implement a balanced investment strategy by category and store type
Lead in decision making regarding prices, quantities, freight terms, allowances and product packaging based on the purchasing plan
Report to the executive team on the state of the category using financial analysis and other fact-based data in terms of current performance, new styles, trends, promotions, best sellers, etc.
Research and shop competitors to ensure the Company is a category value leader
Travel to retail store locations as needed to conduct velocity walks; review and evaluate product mix and gain insight regarding quality or other issues and translate those findings into executable plans
Provide product development recommendations to the in-house design team; bring fresh perspectives to the table that reflect price point and design trend needs.
Serve as the product merchandise advocate for the enterprise stores
Ensure all product documentation is complete and on file with required departments
Review and approve the accuracy of all strategic and technical information, such as product mix, item selection, item description, price direction, etc., prior to set deadlines
Participate, as needed, in planogram and display concept set-up, as well as new store set-up
Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities
Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials.
Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years' experience in purchasing, buying, merchandising, brand management, assortment planning, marketing or related field required
Supervisory/Management experience
Strong attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Maintain confidentiality
Working knowledge of continuous Improvement
Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
Proven ability to interpret analytics to inform, implement and drive strategies
Proven ability to effectively lead in a fast-paced, highly dynamic & matrixed environment with a collaborative focus on driving business results
Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries