Music & Arts · 13 hours ago
Associate Merchandise Planner
Frederick, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$60K/yr - $65K/yr
3+ years expMusic & Arts is a company dedicated to fostering creativity and music among its employees and customers. They are seeking an Associate Merchandise Planner to bridge Merchandise Planning and Category Management, focusing on financial planning, forecasting, and operational support to optimize business outcomes.
Music
Hiring Manager
Ashley Hartman
Responsibilities
Financial Planning and Forecasting
Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning: Interpret and align financial targets by channel and dept
Bottoms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans: Develop detailed financial plans that support and align with category strategies
Rolling Forecasts: Maintain and update rolling forecasts at the department level in collaboration with Planners and Category Managers
Product Flow and Risk Mitigation: Review and analyze inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
Weekly and monthly performance metrics
Special events and seasonal peak analysis
Vendor performance and inventory updates
Data Reporting and Insights: Prepare and share actionable insights through regular and ad hoc reports, including:
Ad Hoc Analysis: Provide data-driven support for strategic and tactical decision-making as needed
Communication Triage: Act as a point of contact to review, prioritize, and resolve internal communication requests through platforms such as email and internal tools
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Planners, Category Managers, and other stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategies
Support planning, preparation, and reporting for major events and seasonal peaks, ensuring alignment with broader financial and business goals
Prepare and update price change sheets for the following:
Vendor cost updates
Temporary minimum advertised price (MAP) reductions
Promotional price changes
Price list reviews
Submit updates for approval to Category Managers and make revisions as needed
Complete and submit forms for the following:
Item maintenance: Support new item builds, updates, and audits for accurate item management and presentation
Assist with preparation, management, and approval of pricing sheets, promotional activities, and vendor updates
Print special product order builds
Conduct Web Asset audits and collaborate with Category Managers to resolve issues and identify improvements
Serve as the first point of contact for internal customer queries via tools like Merch email, Supportal, and B&O email groups
Review, prioritize, and take appropriate actions to address requests
Compile and share insights through regular reports, including but not limited to:
Negative Margin reports
Weekly Business Review support reports
Vendor Performance monthly reports
Vendor Discontinued Inventory
Assist Category Managers and Planners with the management and updates of the Master Assortment documents, essential for replenishment and assortment planning
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline
3-5 years direct experience in retail, store operations, merchandising or allocation
Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy in reporting, planning, and operational execution
Analytical and Financial Acumen: Ability to interpret and analyze data to drive business decisions
Organizational and Time Management Skills: Effectively manage multiple priorities, including regular reporting and ad hoc tasks
Collaboration and Communication: Work effectively across teams, ensuring clear and timely communication
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle evolving priorities, seasonal needs, and ad hoc projects
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department, rental season and Music & Art's needs
Knowledge of MS Office computer programs is strongly desired
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
401K plus company match
Mental health support
Paid sick/holiday/vacation time
Employee discount program
Tuition reimbursement options
Gig leave
Company
Music & Arts
The first Music & Arts, run by founder Benjamin O’Brien, opened in 1952 and was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Loc Mcclain
Chief Executive Officer
Sweet Joy Wraps
Chief Executive Officer at Jonathan and His Stories
Company data provided by crunchbase