Senior Merchandising Planner - Apparel Division

Our client, a rapidly expanding fashion retailer, is looking for a talented Senior Merchandising Planner to join their innovative team. This position is pivotal in driving sales and maximizing profitability by developing and executing strategic merchandise plans across various product categories. You will be responsible for forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and optimizing product assortment to meet customer needs and business objectives. The ideal candidate possesses a keen eye for trends, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of retail dynamics. This role offers a dynamic work environment where your strategic input directly influences the success of the business.

Responsibilities: Develop and manage comprehensive seasonal and annual merchandise plans, considering sales trends, market analysis, and financial goals. Create accurate sales forecasts and inventory plans to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize markdowns. Collaborate closely with buying, allocation, and marketing teams to align merchandising strategies with promotional activities and product launches. Analyze sales performance, inventory turnover, and profitability metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Develop and recommend strategies for assortment planning, product mix, and pricing to maximize revenue and margin. Manage OTB (Open-to-Buy) budgets and ensure adherence to financial plans. Monitor competitive landscape and industry trends to inform merchandising decisions. Prepare and present detailed reports on merchandising performance to senior management. Optimize product lifecycle management, from initial planning through to clearance. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional partners. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail merchandising, planning, or allocation, preferably within the apparel sector. Proven track record of developing successful merchandise plans and achieving sales and profitability targets. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in financial modeling and forecasting. Proficiency in retail planning software (e.g., Enterprise Planning, SAP BW) and advanced Excel skills. Excellent understanding of retail math and KPIs. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities. A passion for fashion and a keen sense of market trends. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking retail organization. Join us and shape the future of our product offerings in **Raleigh, North Carolina, US**, working a hybrid schedule that blends office collaboration with remote flexibility.