OverviewThe Director, Planning is responsible for leading the merchandise planning function and developing financial and inventory strategies that support company sales, margin, and profitability objectives. This role oversees the development and execution of merchandise plans, forecasts, open-to-buy, and inventory strategies across assigned categories.
The Director partners closely with Merchandising, Allocation, Finance, and other cross-functional leaders to identify business opportunities and risks, optimize inventory productivity, and support informed business decisions. This position provides strategic leadership to the Planning team and ensures planning processes, tools, and reporting effectively support the needs of the business.
Responsibilities- Lead the development and execution of annual, seasonal, and in-season merchandise financial plans, including sales, margin, inventory, receipts, and turn objectives.
- Oversee forecasting and open-to-buy management to align inventory investments with sales trends, financial targets, and business priorities.
- Analyze business performance, identify sales, margin, inventory, and profitability opportunities and risks, and recommend appropriate actions.
- Partner with Merchandising and Allocation leadership to develop category, assortment, and inventory strategies that support customer demand and financial objectives.
- Provide strategic guidance on inventory investments, receipt flow, markdowns, promotions, and other actions impacting sales and inventory productivity.
- Lead business reviews and communicate key trends, financial performance, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Collaborate with Finance to align merchandise plans and forecasts with company financial objectives and develop scenario plans to evaluate business opportunities and risks.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including sales, gross margin, inventory turnover, weeks of supply, sell-through, and markdowns.
- Drive continuous improvement of planning processes, reporting, tools, and methodologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Planning team, building capabilities to support current and future business needs.
- Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Allocation, Finance, Store Operations, Supply Chain, and other teams to support business priorities.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QualificationsQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above 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.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Economics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 8-10+ years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, inventory management, or a related retail function.
- 3-5+ years of leadership experience, with demonstrated success leading and developing planning teams.
- Strong experience with merchandise financial planning, forecasting, open-to-buy management, inventory optimization, sales and margin analysis, and seasonal planning.
- Experience in a multi-store, specialty retail, footwear, apparel, or consumer-focused environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders across Merchandising, Buying, Allocation, Finance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Experience using retail planning, reporting, and business intelligence systems; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:- Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen with sound business judgment.
- Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
- Ability to translate data and business trends into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Highly organized, adaptable, and results-oriented.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
BenefitsThe annual base salary range is $152,000 - $190,000 / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the Foot Locker, Inc. total compensation package, which includes the below.
- Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage - Individual and Family Plans
- Self-Development & Recognition Programs
- Advancement Opportunities
- 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
- 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
- Community Engagement Opportunities
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
This is a hybrid position in our Gardena, CA office.
