Merchandise Planner-1

at  Brown University

Job Description:
Merchandise Planner Position
This position provides support for the Campus Shop Manager in planning and maintaining replenishment for specified categories of business. This includes effectively managing the placement and/or replenishment of designated product categories to maintain an in-stock standard while achieving planned turnover and revenue growth.
This position requires replenishment all General Merchandise categories, all Books and Technology core basics.
Inventory Management

Monitor, analyze and maintain proper inventory levels in all assigned categories to support profitable sales goals.

• Analyze sales and stock levels to ensure replenishment system reflects current sales, trends, presentation standards and turnover goals.
• Initiate adjustments as needed to increase inventory turnover which may include reviewing product status for improvements and recommend SKU rationalization measures.
• Monitor and adjust replenishment parameters to meet the needs of the store which includes expediting mark downs and price changes.
• Meet with Campus Shop Manager weekly to review provide quality inventory, purchase and mark down recommendations.

Monitoring Assortments and Productivity

Maintain assortment catalogue to include images and item information for on line store and assortment planning purposes. Create and manage plan-o-grams in required merchandise categories. Perform inventory forecasting for future needs and hot markets.

• Communicate with vendors to request product information and images for on line store, assortment catalogue, plan-o-grams and marketing.
• Review merchandise productivity, suggest improvements, recommend SKU rationalization and finally mark downs.
• Continually review discontinued product status and purge dead stock.

Build Annual inventory projections

The planner will be responsible for building and maintaining an Annual Open to Buy for assigned categories.

• This entails being able to utilize bookstore point of sale reporting system while developing expertise with reporting tools using the system and Microsoft Excel.
• Perform complex and highly detailed work and reporting with accuracy and precision.
• Communicate daily/weekly with Buying teams to report findings with documented support.

Hot Market Events

• Manage vendor ship schedules and assist in planning for Hot Market events and special projects. Communicate vendor ship information to Buying and Operations team for planning purposes on a daily/weekly basis.
• Partner with Buying team and Marketing/Events Manager to assist in planning on timely deliveries for scheduled events.
• Attend hot Market events – approximately 10-15 per year (the number of events may change per year but the average will be at least 10 to 15 per year but may increase or decrease depending on campus activity)

Supporting Actions

• Perform other related and special projects as assigned which may include providing merchandise product information and images.
• Attend events as necessary.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in planning and allocation, buying, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with retail analytics and/or demand forecast planning system
• Clear understanding of retail measurements including sales, gross margin, GMROI, weeks of supply (WOS) and how to impact them.
• Strong business planning and financial analysis abilities with a minimum of 2 years of experience analyzing sales trends in a retail environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective trend merchandising aptitude.
• Analytical thinker, team player, customer-focused, business minded.
• Strong software skills including Microsoft office and Excel
• Passion for the retail industry
• Customer service skills not required but encouraged
• Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Requires occasionally standing, sitting, walking; using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Requires reaching with hands and arms; climbing stairs; hearing; talking
• Lift/Carry/Push/Pull typically 20 to 50lbs
• Will require working weekends/nights during high volume season and hot market events
• Demonstrate an ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

Recruiting Start Date:
2024-02-06
Job Posting Title:
Merchandise Planner-1
Department:
Bookstore
Grade:
Grade 7
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact
employment@brown.edu
.
EEO Statement:
Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.
As an
EEO/AA employer
, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies

Maintain assortment catalogue to include images and item information for on line store and assortment planning purposes. Create and manage plan-o-grams in required merchandise categories. Perform inventory forecasting for future needs and hot markets.

• Communicate with vendors to request product information and images for on line store, assortment catalogue, plan-o-grams and marketing.
• Review merchandise productivity, suggest improvements, recommend SKU rationalization and finally mark downs.
• Continually review discontinued product status and purge dead stock

The planner will be responsible for building and maintaining an Annual Open to Buy for assigned categories.

• This entails being able to utilize bookstore point of sale reporting system while developing expertise with reporting tools using the system and Microsoft Excel.
• Perform complex and highly detailed work and reporting with accuracy and precision.
• Communicate daily/weekly with Buying teams to report findings with documented support