At Designer Brands, our Planning team plays a critical role in connecting customer demand, product strategy, and business performance. As a Planner, youll be at the center of key merchandising decisions, using data, insights, and cross-functional partnerships to help shape assortments, optimize inventory, and drive results across the business.
This role offers the opportunity to influence product decisions from pre-season planning through in-season execution while partnering closely with Merchandising, Allocation, Store Planning, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Technology teams. If you enjoy combining analytical thinking with strategic problem-solving and are energized by collaboration, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow your planning expertise and leadership skills.
What Youll Be DoingFinancial & Assortment Planning- Partner with cross-functional teams to develop pre-season financial strategies and assortment architecture plans that support merchandising objectives and business goals.
- Translate historical performance, customer insights, and in-season results into future assortment and inventory recommendations.
- Develop and manage weekly sales, markdown, and receipt plans through Open-to-Buy (OTB) at the department, class, subclass, and Key Item levels.
- Support financial goal achievement through thoughtful planning, forecasting, and inventory management strategies.
Business Analysis & Strategic Recommendations- Analyze in-season business performance and identify opportunities to maximize results within assigned merchandise categories.
- Conduct bottoms-up reporting and ad hoc analyses to support business strategies and decision-making.
- Evaluate risks and opportunities within the business and develop actionable, solution-oriented recommendations.
- Use data, trend analysis, and financial insights to influence strategic decisions and drive performance.
Inventory & Operational Excellence- Partner with Store Planning and Allocation teams to ensure inventory plans align with store inventory targets.
- Identify opportunities to enhance planning processes and collaborate with Technology partners on process improvements and automation initiatives.
- Serve as a project lead for ad hoc projects and long-term business initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence- Build strong partnerships across Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Store Planning, Allocation, and Technology teams to support broader business objectives.
- Communicate complex financial concepts clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
- Influence product lifecycle decisions through data-driven insights and recommendations.
- Facilitate productive meetings, present findings to stakeholders at various levels, and contribute to the execution of company strategies.
Team Leadership & Development- Support the onboarding and development of new team members by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and fostering meaningful connections across the planning organization.
- Lead by example, encouraging curiosity, continuous improvement, and a growth mindset.
- Share best practices, process efficiencies, and automation opportunities that support the success of the broader Planning team.
What Youll NeedExperience- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, financial analysis, buying, or a combination of these areas.
Education- Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
Technical & Analytical Skills- Strong financial acumen and advanced analytical capabilities.
- Experience with data retrieval, organization, analysis, presentation, and reporting.
- Proficiency in Excel, MicroStrategy, and Enterprise Planning.
- Ability to leverage detailed analysis and factual data to develop strategic recommendations.
Communication & Leadership Skills- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial concepts effectively.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate across diverse teams and functions.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Experience identifying and implementing best practices, efficiencies, and automation opportunities.
- Ability to influence stakeholders through insight-driven recommendations and thoughtful problem-solving.
