Planning Analyst

The Planning Analyst will enhance the customer experience and increase sales and profits by providing analysis, reporting and recommendations. Suggesting the right amount of product to buy and monitoring sales and inventory productivity, Open-to-Buy (OTB’s), markdowns and stock movement in line with the company objective through the conscientious application of organizational standards.

To enhance the customer experience and to exceed gross margin and full price sell-thru goals, the Planning Analyst is responsible for partnering with the Buyer(s) and providing a financial framework to drive the business. The role provides financial expertise and analysis that enhances assortment decisions, vendor negotiations, and inventory allocation and distribution. In addition, the role provides "what-if" scenarios and recommendations to the Buyer to improve results.

Essential Functions

• Prepare seasonal budget planning by brand, department, and classification etc.
• Prepare monthly open to buy reports
• Monitor top level budget by brand, department, class as the season progresses and ensures proper alignment to future season spending
• Update budget regularly ensuring an accurate future spending position
• Prepare markdown analysis, summary reporting and makes key recommendations
• Develop, produce and present requested sales and inventory reports based on a daily, weekly monthly or seasonal calendar as required.
• Assist in preparation of 3-year vendor plans for merchant market
• Provide slow seller and aging analysis with recommended actions
• Analyze and produce reporting on stock movement activity, including sales performance, receipts, markdowns, returns, consolidations and transfers
• Analyze processes and systems and provide recommendations for improvement
• Act as the resident AS400 & T4G expert for the team
• Maintains files and performs general office duties (i.e.: telephone inquiries, photocopying)

Skill Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years as a retail buyer/planner
• Post-secondary Degree within a Business-related discipline
• Demonstrated competence with PC software programs (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Successful analytical experience in a merchant, retail or financial position
• Experience business/retail mathematics, including percentages, margins, mark ups and markdowns etc.
• Ability to multi-task effectively and work well with others
• Excellent organizational skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently producing results under pressure and meeting deadlines in a position with changing priorities

Performance Measurements

• Meeting and exceeding personal profit goals
• Achieves excellence in accuracy and maintains a level of excellence in keeping budgets up-to-date
• Maintains a high level of communication and recommendations to improve the business