Director of Retail Planning

Director of Retail Planning

Department: Retail

Reports to: COO

Location: Phoenix, AZ - must be in Phoenix, AZ or willing to relocate. This is a requirement.

Position Summary:

The Director of Retail Planning is accountable for maximizing sales and profitability in alignment with the company strategies and brand. They will develop and execute strategies across relevant product categories to achieve short and long-term financial goals (sales, margin, profitability). This involves developing and executing robust product and pricing strategies, driving product development with the in-house design team, devising compelling marketing and promotions programs, and maintaining a focus on continuous learning and improvement. This individual takes an active leadership role responsible for evolving the culture through a customer-first mindset, fostering cross-functional team collaboration, and supporting the continuous evolution of business processes to maximize resources.

Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze consumer demographic characteristics, sales trends, retail landscape and other relevant data to interpret, financially plan for and react to emerging market trends and conditions
• Determine appropriate competitive strategies to drive category product development, good/better/best quality merchandise assortment and quantity, purchase, pricing, margin, promotion and clearance to maximize revenue and margin
• Partner with merchandise planning to develop and implement a balanced investment strategy by category and store type
• Lead in decision making regarding prices, quantities, freight terms, allowances and product packaging based on the purchasing plan
• Report to the executive team on the state of the category using financial analysis and other fact-based data in terms of current performance, new styles, trends, promotions, best sellers, etc.
• Research and shop competitors to ensure the Company is a category value leader
• Travel to retail store locations as needed to conduct velocity walks; review and evaluate product mix and gain insight regarding quality or other issues and translate those findings into executable plans
• Provide product development recommendations to the in-house design team; bring fresh perspectives to the table that reflect price point and design trend needs.
• Serve as the product merchandise advocate for the enterprise stores
• Ensure all product documentation is complete and on file with required departments
• Review and approve the accuracy of all strategic and technical information, such as product mix, item selection, item description, price direction, etc., prior to set deadlines
• Participate, as needed, in planogram and display concept set-up, as well as new store set-up
• Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities
• Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials.
• Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in purchasing, buying, merchandising, brand management, assortment planning, marketing or related field required
• Supervisory/Management experience
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Maintain confidentiality
• Working knowledge of continuous Improvement
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
• Proven ability to interpret analytics to inform, implement and drive strategies
• Proven ability to effectively lead in a fast-paced, highly dynamic & matrixed environment with a collaborative focus on driving business results
• Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
• Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
• Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries