**Location:** Secaucus, New Jersey **Job Summary:** The Inventory Planner will take ownership of the inventory flow from DC to stores for multiple categories. This position will partner cross-functionally to support continuous improvement in business results in their departments through the following: forecast reviews and analyses, managing allocations across time in Quantum, developing tiering recommendations for future seasons based on store sales performance, etc. This position will be responsible for season preparation and reviewing forecast and inventory exceptions. This position will analyze strategies for significant changes between years and other key metrics that will drive allocation decisions. **Responsibilities:** **Key Accountabilities:** + Analyze pre-season plan and merchandising strategies for significant changes against last year + Rationalize top line buy strategy and translate style, color, and plan to store level allocation strategy + Adjust and reconcile weekly planned inventory position based on sales, inventory, price action, and trend + Identify and review inventory exceptions and program forecast to conduct root cause analysis + Partner with Merchants, Planning, and Visual to confirm weekly strategies + Align allocations to support sales forecast, receipt flows, end-of-life-strategies, and future orders + Ensure cross-functional partners are clear on replenishment strategies, new flows, and preparation for future events as part of the Inventory Planning meetings + Evaluate trends of store sales and inventory to generate recommendations to adjust forecast and assortment + Review and provide in-season feedback about product performance at style and region/district/store level + Capture category/sub-season variances and trends to influence Q science + Generate end-of-season insights around store level inventory and assortment opportunities + Partner with the Inventory Planning Manager to create and share cross-functional recommendations around future buys + Identify and communicate tool and process improvement opportunities to the Inventory Planning Manager + Identify opportunities for personal development and actively pursue development opportunities + Provide support to leadership on special projects as needed **Education and Experience:** + Bachelor’s degree preferred + 2-5 years of experience in related role **Skills and Behaviors:** + Strong data analysis skills; ability to identify critical trends, patterns, and root causes + High level of comfort using technology and custom tools + Knowledge of retail terminology and common retail formulas/equations + Proficiency in Cognos and other BI tools/data sources + Knowledge of inventory life-cycle + Strong sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm + Must take on new opportunities and challenges + Ability to work under pressure and through setbacks + Ability to work with and build relationships with all levels of the organization + Strong verbal and written communication skills + Must be a strong team player