Retail Merchandise Planner - 12 Month Contract Role Merchandise Planner (supporting Licensing & Retail) Part Time: 20 hours/week with potential to increase to 30 hours Bill rate:
- #####/hr Time frame: 12 months Location: Based in Atlanta (AOC). Min 1-2 days in office This role is responsible for all merchandise/inventory planning responsibilities including oversight of the logistics/supply chain for a new international retail store concept. This role is part of the Coca-Cola Global Licensing & Retail (L&R) team and will work in collaboration with the local Operating Unit and Operating Agency.
Key responsibilities include:- Oversee all merchandise related responsibilities for a new concept
- Manage ongoing cross category merchandise assortment (apparel & hardlines) tailored to the target consumer & market and aligned to the overall strategic vision of the brand and store.
- Responsible for planning and managing the Open-to-Buy for the store, ensuring targets are met including Sales, Gross Margin and Avg Stock.
- Work with vendors and with US Coca-Cola Store Merchandise Planners to place orders and forecast replenishment needs.
- Coordinate order timing with US store order placement to ensure MOQ's and cost targets are met.
- Manage replenishment and in season reorders, ensuring product is in stock and arrives on time
- Partner with logistics agency, international trade team and suppliers to manage all aspects of the supply chain.
- Work with QA, Product Developer and Suppliers to ensure local product regulatory requirements are met.
- Manage licensing contract amendments and new contracts for suppliers
- Partner with Visual Merchandiser to execute compelling and profitable presentations and product placement. Work with VM on an ongoing basis to re-merchandise as needed to maximize sales.
- Establish and execute liquidation plans as needed
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buyer, Planners, Strategy team, Visual Merchandising Coordinator, Product Developer, Marketing and Operating Agency
- Conduct analysis and produce reporting and actionable recommendations on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Provide category, class and item performance analysis and present to leadership
- Continually review and analyze productivity, category and item selling, and recommend actions to optimize the business performance
- Assess learnings and propose assortment changes as needed to maximize results.
- Create Product Knowledge decks to educate store teams
- Create and maintain assortment plans reflective of all product and costing information
- Create product related presentations for leadership and cross functional teams
Requirements:- Retail merchandise planning experience in a fast paced environment.
- Strong understanding of retail KPIs and proven track record of driving business results
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Creative and strategic thinking.
- Merchandise financial planning skills and solid experience managing Open to Buy.
- In tune and consistently keeping up with consumer and market trends
- Excellent collaboration and relationship building skills
- Strong project management capabilities
- Effective communication skills (written, oral, and presentation)
- Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity
- High-level of flexibility and ability to self-manage including tolerance for last minute changes.
- Ability to thrive in a networked environment
- High attention to accuracy and detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Power Point, Power BISuccessful performance record
Education: 4 year College Degree
Years of Experience: 5+ years experience retail planning (preferably with apparel experience)
