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Form of workSenior Merchandise Planner
The Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for planning, controlling and monitoring the purchasing, intake and distribution of merchandise internationally, working across multi-seasons / countries, in order to maximize sales and margin within the assigned departments of responsibility. Working closely with the Buying department, the core areas of responsibility are as follows: Trading, Planning, Relationship with others.
• Ensure full end of season departmental reviews are held within the teams in preparation for pre-season strategy
• Present the pre-season plan, along with the Buyers to the VP Merchandising and DMM for sign off, providing a robust, commercially focused proposal
• Build Arthur accordingly to incorporate the seasonal plans, taking into account forward weeks cover, sales phasing, markdown costs and intake by month and profit, including the departmental plans by International Territories
• Ensure that the correct profiles and grades are in place in order to maximize sales potential and minimize markdown, ensuring the correct ratio from top to bottom
• Take part in the weekly repeats meeting in conjunction with the Buying team and Associate Merchandiser, review sales performance on best-selling lines from the previous week for the assigned product departments and agree accordingly products on which to repeat/discontinue
• Check quantities for all repeats prepared by Associate Merchandiser, ensuring they are aligned to forecasted sales, Open to Buy (OTB), margin and airfreight targets
• Attend a weekly Merchandising Meeting to review departmental sales performance and communicate key areas of focus
• Manage direct reports such that they are fully aware of key trading issues to ensure efficient and smooth running of all areas relating to the assigned product departments
• Manage OTB on a weekly basis in conjunction with the Buyer for the assigned departments. Allocate OTB accordingly to maximize sales and profit margin, ensuring an appropriate allocation is assigned to repeat orders and new products
• Conduct store visits to obtain direct feedback relating to individual products and stock levels. Highlight recommendations to the allocation team to enhance sales at store and company level
• Prepare and action markdown proposals, ensuring these fall within the defined parameters of budget and margin targets. Ensure that line lists are sent to the Merchandising & Analytics team
• Communicate effectively across all levels and via all channels, in particular with International colleagues/suppliers
About You
• Fashion related degree such as a BA in Design, Textile Management, Fashion Journalism, Fashion and Marketing or Merchandising Management
• At least 2-3 years of experience within a Merchandising role
• Strong math and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Store or Retail experience a plus
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
The Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for planning, controlling and monitoring the purchasing, intake and distribution of merchandise internationally, working across multi-seasons / countries, in order to maximize sales and margin within the assigned departments of responsibility. Working closely with the Buying department, the core areas of responsibility are as follows: Trading, Planning, Relationship with others.
• Ensure full end of season departmental reviews are held within the teams in preparation for pre-season strategy
• Present the pre-season plan, along with the Buyers to the VP Merchandising and DMM for sign off, providing a robust, commercially focused proposal
• Build Arthur accordingly to incorporate the seasonal plans, taking into account forward weeks cover, sales phasing, markdown costs and intake by month and profit, including the departmental plans by International Territories
• Ensure that the correct profiles and grades are in place in order to maximize sales potential and minimize markdown, ensuring the correct ratio from top to bottom
• Take part in the weekly repeats meeting in conjunction with the Buying team and Associate Merchandiser, review sales performance on best-selling lines from the previous week for the assigned product departments and agree accordingly products on which to repeat/discontinue
• Check quantities for all repeats prepared by Associate Merchandiser, ensuring they are aligned to forecasted sales, Open to Buy (OTB), margin and airfreight targets
• Attend a weekly Merchandising Meeting to review departmental sales performance and communicate key areas of focus
• Manage direct reports such that they are fully aware of key trading issues to ensure efficient and smooth running of all areas relating to the assigned product departments
• Manage OTB on a weekly basis in conjunction with the Buyer for the assigned departments. Allocate OTB accordingly to maximize sales and profit margin, ensuring an appropriate allocation is assigned to repeat orders and new products
• Conduct store visits to obtain direct feedback relating to individual products and stock levels. Highlight recommendations to the allocation team to enhance sales at store and company level
• Prepare and action markdown proposals, ensuring these fall within the defined parameters of budget and margin targets. Ensure that line lists are sent to the Merchandising & Analytics team
• Communicate effectively across all levels and via all channels, in particular with International colleagues/suppliers
About You
• Fashion related degree such as a BA in Design, Textile Management, Fashion Journalism, Fashion and Marketing or Merchandising Management
• At least 2-3 years of experience within a Merchandising role
• Strong math and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Store or Retail experience a plus
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
