POSITION TITLE: Associate Merchandise Planner 

POSITION SUMMARY:
This individual will support categories or departments of merchandise and work as a primary partner to Merchandising to build viable plans and profitable results. The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining sales, inventory, and margin plans that tie to financial targets for the assigned divisions/departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare pre-season Original Plans; financial sales, gross margin, and inventory, consistent with the company's top-down goals, to be used in development of the merchandise strategies for the season and to support line development and buying needs. Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly level on a seasonal basis. Strategize, develop and present seasonal key item plans that support sales and merchandise goals. Manage and plan merchandise inventory positions and markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and turnover objectives.  Work closely with the buyer(s) to review in season product trends and performance, develop revised projections, and recommend adjustments to the season's plan to maximize sales and profitability. Present monthly revisions of merchandise plans to Merchandise/Planning and Allocation executives. Provide fiscal control through analysis and management of markdowns and purchase orders. Identify risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Partner with internal business partners to communicate financial merchandising plans and strategies to support financial objectives. Work with merchandising and marketing to develop promotional strategies. Analyze promotional effectiveness and make future recommendations. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or equivalent required. 2+ years prior merchandise planning experience from a specialty or department store. In-depth knowledge of retail math concepts, applications, and statistical analysis. Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications. Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team. Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management. Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.  

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, TeamPeople, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.