Associate Planner Backstage

Salary Range Minimum

77,880

Salary Range Maximum

129,840

Job Overview

The Associate Planner is accountable for achieving sales, profit, and inventory turnover objectives for their merchandise departments through effective in-season and pre-season financial planning. A key part of the role will be the planning and forecasting of KPI’s (key performance indicators) by class and location to maximize turn and support the company’s financial targets. The Associate partners cross-functionally to develop and execute strategies to maximize opportunities and minimize risks. This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, drive merchant processes and lead through collaboration, effective communication, and development of others.

What You Will Do

• Develop a seasonal financial and merchandising strategy at the departmental level to deliver sales, margin and turn/wos that align with the company goals in collaboration with business partners (Planners, Buyers, Merch Execution, etc.).
• Ability to articulate the strategy to business stakeholders.
• Focus on business strategy to determine specific category and product behaviors to build foundation for assortment architecture and allocation strategies.
• Partner with location strategy team to identify and implement attributes by location to facilitate strong market buys and allocation by door.
• Revise in-season operating plans through the official monthly rolling operating forecast process as well as the weekly open to buy process for all financial metrics. Manage and communicate risks to sales, stock and margin with recommended actions.
• Develop class plans at the chain level and by climate, and re-forecast need and opportunities in season to drive growth.
• Manage allocations on both newness and reorders.
• Develop and execute assortment strategy for new rollout doors.
• Aggressively scale and drive in season sales opportunities based on test, read, roll out approach.
• Develop recommendations for Buyers based on in season trend and historical analysis. Provide depth and breadth guidance.
• Open-to buy on order maintenance as needed.

Skills You Will Need

Planning Experience: A Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of merchandise planning, allocation, merchandising, financial planning, strategy or business analytics.

Analytical Skills: Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel and ability to quickly master new applications and systems.

Organization: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. Ability to develop and maintain efficient systems of organization.

Project Management: Proficient in project and process management, capable of effectively managing workload, priorities, and timelines.

Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to think analytically and pragmatically, and effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and executives, while fostering effective collaboration and teamwork.

Problem-Solving: Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative and innovate to continuously seek out new data sources to enhance insights.

Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with senior and mid-level management across various teams.

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior assistants, guiding their priorities and tasks effectively.

Who You Are

• Dedicated to fulfilling ideals of diversity, inclusion, and respect that Macy’s aspires to achieve every day in every way.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands/fingers to touch, handle, and feel. Occasionally required to move about the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

What We Can Offer You

• An inclusive, challenging, and refreshingly fun work environment
• Competitive pay and benefits rooted in principles of equity
• Performance incentives and annual merit review
• Merchandise discounts
• Health and Wellness Benefits across medical, dental, vision, and additional insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan with 401k match opportunity
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health counseling and legal/financial advice)
• Resources for continuous learning, career growth, and leadership development
• 8 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (first year prorated depending on start date)
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Guild education benefit funds 100% of tuition, books, and fees in designated programs
• Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) and give-back/volunteer opportunities
• Empowerment and autonomy to perform impactful work with tangible results

About Macy’s

Now is an exciting time for a Macy's career as we continue to focus on creating exciting and memorable experiences for every Macy's customer, whether their journey starts online or in the store. Our opportunities in Sales, Merchandise, Operations, Customer Service, Warehouse, Marketing, and other areas let you express your creativity and commitment to excellence, grow your career and make a difference to your Macy's colleagues and customers.

Bring your creativity, energy, and ideas to the Macy's team – Apply Today!

This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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