POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for assisting in the strategic direction of inventory, based on analysis of financials, historical data, and current market trends.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  • Develop, execute and communicate strategic merchandise financial plans and strategies that support the merchandising and financial objectives of the Company. • Create preseason sales, margin and inventory plans by department class that support product and financial strategies. • Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities by department and class. • Collaborate with Merchandising to develop and communicate strategies that align future financial and product opportunities in the area. • Forecast in-season sales and inventories on a weekly basis. • Present forecasts and action plans in monthly Merchandise Planning Committee meetings. • Recap end-of-season best-sellers by category. • Develop and communicate item-level promotional and markdown strategies on a weekly basis. • Recap and analyze actual sales results against plan and LY. • Work with Merchants and Sourcing to effectively manage flow of inventory into the warehouse.

Required Skills Required Experience

REQUIREMENTS: • 3-5 years of Merchandise Planning experience • Business analysis and strategic, innovative thinking skills • Understanding of retail financial measurements • Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities • Strong listening, written and verbal communication skills • Able to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Arthur Planning experience a plus.

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree or related experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent and effective verbal and written communication, and listening skills.
• Basic reading, comprehension and numerical reasoning skills.
• Detail oriented-must be able to complete paperwork in an accurate, neat and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of software, and prior experience using windows-based computer programs
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Prior customer service experience is preferred, but not required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, and reach regularly.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and co-workers.
• Ability to use vision to read documents and computer screen.
• Ability to use hands to type information into computer.

In order to provide equal employment and achievement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Levin Furniture will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Levin Furniture does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.