Senior Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management

Overview

The Senior Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management responsible for managing the Merchandise Planning and Inventory team.  This position supports all merchandise planning strategies to drive sales and gross margin for the company.  This position requires collaboration with many operational areas in the company to actively support all initiatives related to product Dept and SKU Planning, Inventory Forecasting, Store Replenishment, and Distribution Center Inventory management.  In addition, this position works directly with the Financial Planning, Buying and Marketing Team to develop sales performance strategies.

 

Position Reports To

Vice President, Merchandise Planning and Allocation

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages, coaches and develops the Merchandise Planning team, incorporating them in all aspects of the business and establishing an environment that encourages and challenges them to grow and become more effective leaders
• Monitors Open to Buy process, allocation, inventory forecasting and inventory management effectiveness by utilizing company reporting and systems
• Leads communication with the Store Leadership team; Regional Directors, Area Directors, Store Managers on store inventory. In partnership with Visual Sales, manages store communication on campaign inventory, new store inventory, replenishment adjustments and store inventory inquires
• Works with the VP DMM and VP Planning and Allocation on company strategy and Department Level Financial Plans.
• Leads Monthly Open to Buy Process to forecast sales, GM, receipts and inventory by Dept. Partners with the Merchandising team to evaluate forecast compared to actual sales results on a regular basis and recommend action as needed. Key focus is to manage forecast trends and impact to needed inventory
• Partners with Visual and New Store teams to ensure that replenishment accuracy is maintained for all store formats and new stores
• Supports the Pricing Manager with promotional pricing, product quality issue resolution, Shrink and General damages, and Vendor Credit support
• Analyzes company and department level business performance to ensure that company sales and inventory plan is achieved and communicates findings and trends to the Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain and Accounting teams
• Partners with Merchandise Planning and Buying team on the campaign and Offer sales and margin forecast roll-up for all campaigns including forecast adjustment suggestions and communicates the total sales projection to Buying leadership team.
• Develops the merchandise inventory plan for the company financial plan on a quarterly basis
• Leverages planning and analytical expertise to maximize sales, inventory and gross margin. Creates new tools and templates to analyze business and improve effectiveness of team.
• Monitors inventory levels in the Stores and DC and suggests changes in Purchase Order and store replenishment strategy as needed
• Supports system projects related to Planning & Allocation, Forecasting, Inventory Coordination, Store replenishment, and Business Analysis

 

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

 

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

 

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates. 
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

 

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a heft