Merchandise Planner

Overview:

From designing the first patented down jacket in America, to winning 60 industry awards in the last 10 years, Eddie Bauer has built a legacy of inspiration, innovation, and exploration over the last century. While our business has changed over the past 100 years, our work has remained centered around engaging in the transformative powers of the outdoors. Our ideas and actions are stronger, bolder, and more successful when we act together. We are committed as an organization in finding diverse and unique talent, with varied perspectives, and many different ideas. Every role within Eddie Bauer, from our corporate office to our stores, will have an opportunity to play a part in achieving our mission of inspiring, empowering and enabling everyone to experience the outdoors and live their adventure.

Purpose: You will be responsible for maximizing sales and margin for specific product categories through effective and timely Pre-season and In-season inventory management. A Merchandise Planner is responsible for reacting to current business trends and executing future business direction.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, read on

Job Responsibilities:

Core Position Responsibilities:

• Execute seasonal department financial plans for specific categories that meet division level financial goals.
• Develop and execute style level plans that meet department level financial goals.
• Manage inventory investments to maximize productivity and fulfillment including initial buy, liquidation, reorders, and allocation strategies for specific product categories.
• Manage OTB for specific department product categories.
• Develop fulfillment strategies with key interfaces including Merchandising and Product Development.
• Manage promotional pricing to optimize results by business need
• Prepare for and actively participate in seasonal business reviews and hindsight strategy meetings.
• Proactively identify department specific retail issues and opportunities, proposing solutions and communicating a unified direction.

Leadership Expectations:

• Operate with the highest level of conduct, integrity, and confidentiality; setting the example for leaders and associates.
• Develop and nurture strong cross functional partnerships; driving business results and inspiring a culture of transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
• Serve as an Eddie Bauer advocate in the industry and marketplac
• Ability to balance a strong management presence with a high level of approachability, encouraging and eliciting associate feedback and interaction.
• Perform such other duties as directed by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree preferred;
• 3+ years experience in a retail planning/buying capacity preferably with a multi-channel retailer.
• Demonstrated experience driving a business through financial planning, gross margin, and inventory management.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel capabilities.
• Travel may be required, based on business needs.
• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards and Companys policy.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods
• Ability to position self to reach at or below shoulder level

Requirements & EEO Statement:
The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, SPARC Group, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available from our Human Resources Department.

EEOC Statement:
SPARC Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status
as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals in the job application and interview process.

Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.

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