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Trends International LLC · 1 month ago

Senior Merchandise Planning Manager

Indianapolis, IN

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$95K/yr - $105K/yr

8+ years exp

Trends International LLC is the leading publisher and manufacturer of licensed posters and wall art, celebrating pop culture and lifestyle. The Senior Merchandise Planning Manager will oversee sales forecasting, product planning, and inventory flow planning to optimize assortments and maximize sales and profitability, requiring strong leadership and analytical skills.

ManufacturingPrintingPublishing

Hiring Manager

Morgan Kellett Groat

Responsibilities

Develop and implement merchandising and product strategies for the assigned Vendor Managed accounts (VMR). Create plans to drive sales, maximize profit, and optimize product lifecycles. Analyze POS data and market trends to develop accurate, actionable and measurable plans to guide assortment, merchandising, promotional, product lifecycle, and pricing strategies

Work closely with the Sales team and Key Account Managers (KAMs) to support the assigned VMR accounts. Attend regular meetings as required, assist in developing sales material, and analyze performance. Collaborate with the KAMs to ensure that account strategies are thoroughly vetted with the customer. Partner with the sales team to achieve the company’s sales and profitability goals

Oversee the 52-weeker inventory plan to develop effective inventory flow plans that align with inventory KPIs such as WOH, Turn, OOS, fixture fill, returns/obsolescence. Ensure that stock levels are appropriately maintained for all assigned accounts throughout the fiscal year. Work with the KAMs to get alignment with retail customers on the inventory flow strategy. Deliver a measurable plan to the Inventory Management team and partner with that team to ensure in-season management supports all inventory, sales and profitability goals

Direct the Trends’ P&L process. Confirm that accurate revenue and cost assumptions are utilized consistently and the process achieves the company’s profitability goals. Involve stakeholders as needed to vet cost assumptions. Ensure the P&L process executes in a timely manner. Lead hindsight P&L execution as needed

Administer company forecast entry into Tiamat to deliver accurate monthly and weekly buy planning forecasts. Analysis of historical shipments and sales data, demand forecasts from KAMs and customers, new franchise releases and promotions need to be incorporated in the forecasts. Validate and edit forecasts with sales and product stakeholders to deliver forecast accuracy. Generate reporting for and facilitate monthly OTB/forecast meetings for import products and weekly OTB/forecast processes for domestic/poster products

Generate & distribute standard reporting to the organization and perform ad hoc analysis as needed

Lead and motivate your direct reports by managing, developing, and mentoring the Planning staff. Create a culture of forecast accuracy. Demonstrate leadership by example and foster a team of high performers

Qualification

Sales forecastingProduct planningInventory managementData analysisTeam leadershipData manipulationCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsCollaborationFast-paced environment

Required

8+ years of experience analyzing retail data in roles such as Demand Planning, Merchandise Planning, Company Planning, Sales, or Buyer

The ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and accurately forecast future demand is essential

5+ years of experience managing inventory and product lifecycles in Brick & Mortar retailers

Experience planning year-round, seasonal and promotional programs a must

5+ years of experience leading and developing a team

Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with stakeholders across various departments and externally with customers

Thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, and collaborative environment

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Be an expert at data manipulation using various tools such as Excel, Access and BI tools

Have demonstrated an ability to craft narratives using data