sr Manager-Merchandise Planning Hybrid

Designer Brands - Columbus, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Columbus, OH

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning is responsible for leading and developing the Merchandise Planning and Item Planning teams at DSW. This role focuses on fostering innovation, supporting business strategy, and achieving financial metrics. The position involves creating and executing a strategic vision to maximize profitability and inventory productivity, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business success. This is a hybrid position based in Columbus, OH.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages the Merchandise Planning team in the development, analysis, and revision of sales, inventory, markdowns, and profit.
• Builds strong partnerships with cross-functional teams in Buying, Store Planning, Allocation, Marketing, and Finance to drive strategy and manage the business.
• Ensures that the financial strategy is consistent with the financial budget and profit parameters.
• Maintains risk assessment models to determine buy levels and maintain profitability.
• Recommends actions and communicates issues related to financial planning of merchandise that may hinder DSW's ability to achieve financial objectives.
• Prepares for and participates in business meetings to ensure alignment of the financial plan with the Merchandising strategy.
• Presents information and recommendations to the executive team.
• Hires, coaches, and develops a quality team, including succession planning and regular performance reviews.
• Provides leadership and oversight to direct reports, including formal and informal training and one-on-one development.

Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Allocation, Financial Analysis, or Buying.
• Strong statistical and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on communicating financial concepts.
• Proficient in Excel, Data Warehouse/Business Objects, Arthur Planning Systems, and JDA.
• Experience leading a team and developing direct reports in a planning role.

Nice-to-haves

• BS degree in Business, Finance, or related study; or equivalent work experience.