Carters, Inc

Merchandise Planning Manager

Carters, Inc$75K — $95K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years' experience in planning principles and financial budgeting
  • Strong analytical skills for detailed data interpretation
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
  • Ability to influence stakeholders effectively
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced retail environment
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience (preferred)
  • Intermediate to advanced Excel proficiency (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute merchandise financial plans by product classification
  • Establish assortment strategies with category management to meet financial goals
  • Manage inventory flow to support demand and inventory targets
  • Re-forecast comprehensive financial plans monthly based on trends
  • Implement markdown strategies aimed at maximizing margins
  • Provide robust in-season forecasts and corrective actions as needed
  • Conduct post-season analysis and strategize for future buys

Benefits

  • Career development opportunities including mentorship and skill enhancement programs
  • Access to internal educational resources like Carter's University and Toastmasters
  • Dynamic work environment with the chance to influence key business decisions
  • Opportunity to work closely with category management teams on strategic initiatives
Full Job Description
HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
The incumbent in this position partners with the Category Management team to achieve the overall financial and strategic objectives of the organization. The Planning Manager manages the financial performance of the merchandise and optimizes assortment placement and quantification.

45%: Merchandise Financial Planning
  • Develop and execute merchandise financial plans by product classification aligned to financial targets to establish annual budgets and open-to-buy
  • In partnership with the Category Manager, establish assortment strategies (pricing, buy quantities, commodity blends) to achieve the financial plans
  • In partnership with the Category Manager, establish inventory flow which supports demand and inventory targets; align on optimal units/style
  • Validate promotional marketing plan aligns to monthly financial plan


40%: In-Season Management
  • Execute monthly/as needed re-forecast of comprehensive financial plans; re-forecast sales, margin, and inventory based on trend to identify risks/opportunities compared to plan
  • Develop and execute markdown strategies to achieve unit sales plan while maximizing margin
  • Partner with the Category Manager to provide strong in-season forecasts and develop corrective in-season actions where required
  • Conduct post-season analysis and draft monthly/quarterly hindsight recaps and strategies for the next season buys


15%: Reporting and Analysis
  • Determine sizing requirements by commodity based on pre-season performance analysis
  • Provide ad hoc business reports and analysis as needed
  • Utilize company-approved tools and processes to support planning and measurement of the business


WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:
Must have:
  • 4+ years' experience in Planning principles, financial budgeting, retail fundamentals, ad hoc reporting and analysis
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Strong communication/collaboration skills with ability to influence others
  • Adaptable to fast moving retail environment


Preferred skills and experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
  • Highly adept in various systems including intermediate to advanced Excel skills
  • Highly motivated and self-reliant
  • Experience with Planning and/or Replenishment in a retail organization


MAKE A CAREER AT CARTER'S:
Career Development: Success starts from within, and we have several paths from which you can choose to enhance your career evolution. From Carter's University to Toastmasters to mentorship programs and more, we encourage you to utilize these tools to elevate your professional prowess.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties described may be changed or reassigned at the discretion of management, and the employee may be required to perform duties that are not listed in the job description.

About Carters, Inc

Carter's, Inc. operates as a children's apparel and accessories company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. Its Carter's brand products include baby products, such as bodysuits, pants, dresses, knit sets, blankets, layette essentials, bibs, booties, sleep and play products, rompers, and jumpers; play clothes comprising knit and woven cotton apparel; sleepwear products consisting of pajamas in cotton, fleece, and ploy-jersey; and other products, including bedding, outerwear, swimwear, footwear, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories. The company also provides products under the OshKosh brand name, which comprise play clothes in denim, fleece, and other fabrics for sizes newborn to 14. It sells its products through company-operated stores, department stores, and online, as well as through other retail outlets, such as specialty stores, national chains, and mass merchants. As of January 2, 2021, the company operated approximately 800 Carter's retail stores, 100 OshKosh retail stores, and its products were available in approximately 18,000 department stores and other retail outlets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Carter's, Inc. was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Learn more about Carters, Inc
Size
15,900 employees
Market Cap
$2.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$109.7 million
Founded
1865
5 Year Trend
+1.7%
Revenue
$3 billion
NASDAQ

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