Associate Merchandise Planner (Hybrid)

***This will be a hybrid role on-site three days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** ​

About the Role

The Associate Planner position serves as planning support for specific product categories.  This role is responsible for supporting the creation of channel level sales and receipt plans and forecasting KPI’s. The Associate planner is responsible for analyzing data, correlating historical and current trends to support forward reforecasting, supporting the planning team through regular analysis and review of risks and opportunities.  This position supports the planning team by working concurrently across multiple seasons to optimize inventory and sales to achieve financial results.  

• Support the creation of the OTB aspect of the business preparing forecasts and evaluating performance. Protect Claire’s interests while maximizing profitability and minimizing liabilities

• Support the creation of business plans on the category level by month with the departmental goals and top-line targets of divisional financial plans

• Support the management of OTB and contribute at monthly business meetings to provide information and strategic initiatives of specific classes/categories.

• Review and analyze data to help inform recommendations and reforecasting

• Analyze and prepare hindsight documents to measure past performance to inform future planning & buys.  Attend and actively participate in hindsight meetings, where Merchandising presents sales and inventory results, relate performance to the original departmental strategy resulting in recommendation for future actions.

• Prepare, update, and distribute key daily/weekly reports

• Support the merchandising team with pricing and promotions based on weekly analysis against plans and forecasts

• Collaborate and partner with Merchandising to formulate pre-season sales/GM/Inventory flow goals that tie to the topline benchmark metrics, grow/maintain/downtrend strategies and support in presenting financial strategies to upper management

• Partner with Merchandising to build assortment strategies that tie to topline metrics.  Support merchandising team in pulling analysis to support key assortment and investment strategies.

• Manage good cross-functional relationships to support the management of the day-to-day business from a pricing/ promotion and inventory/sales/GM perspective as well as make recommendations on strategies to improve the business

• Own becoming proficient in Arthur planning system for usage on team; work with the Planning Manager & Planner on other new tools for the team, acting as a point-person for the tools.

• Provide direct support to the Planning and Merchandising team on all planning functions and initiatives.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience

• Minimum 1 year of merchandising, retail buying, planning experience

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment

• Analytical with ability to synthesize data and draw conclusions and recommendations 

• Understanding of retail math skills and merchandise planning

• Strong organizational, planning, and written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team 

• Sense of urgency with demonstrated success in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment

• Flexibility and the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables 

• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)

Competencies

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.

• LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.

• ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.

• CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset, and inspires others.

Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits for full time employees included medical, dental and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more! 

Benefits for part time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more!

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.