Sr. Inventory Planner

 

BE PART OF SOMETHING REAL

 

POSITION TITLE:                Senior Inventory Planner

REPORTS TO:                     Associate Inventory Planning Manager/Inventory Planning Manager

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Develop and execute inventory management plans, inclusive of sales forecast and inventory principles, and related strategies across all Channels (Stores and Direct) for specific merchandise department/Geos. Ensure that the AE customer has the product they want, when they want it, and where they need it.  Closely partner with Inventory Planning leadership to ensure alignment of focus, priorities and consistency in inventory management across AEO, Inc

 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop item level sales and inventory plans by week and by channel to maximize sales and profitability for designated area(s) of responsibility.
• Ensure inventory targets support sales and align with brand inventory principles.
• Analyze current trends as well as historical performance to develop strategies to maximize productivity and profitability of inventory.
• Develop and execute allocation strategies for long-life, seasonal and fashion product that support omni-channel sales and inventory goals
• Review store level performance and maintain seasonal store grades and store groups
• Create and maintain seasonal size profiles and make packing decisions
• Complete size level/GMROI analysis to drive size offering decisions that aligns with total sales/inventory goals
• Pro-actively identify and communicate areas of opportunity/mitigate risk to Inventory Planning leadership and cross-functional team.  Provide clear summary of analysis and recommended actions with focus on inventory management to drive sales and profitability.
• Active participant in ad-hoc analysis and seasonal hindsight
• Own top-down sales and inventory plans for designated Geo/Region.  Analyze performance by store within region and provide guidance to inventory planners on opportunities at department level.  Partner with Market Localization leader to analyze region/store performance KPI’s and develop strategies to achieve and beat expectations.
• Actively participating in intern/teammate training programs as a coach
• Mentor and guide peers in Inventory Planning team
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

 

AUTHORITY:

• Management of Demand Forecast for department
• Influence of department merchandise levels by store/channel; department flow for market/category ownership
• Management of inventory principles, item attributing and size profiles

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, or related field.
• 4+ years related experience (can be through internships for recent grads)
• Prior experience using Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment, Enterprise Planning and/or demand planning tools within a specialty retailer preferred
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

 

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.