Associate Planner, Fabric

The Associate Planner is responsible for the inventory strategy and financial/inventory forecasts for a segment of the business. The goal is to maximize company sales growth and profitability by working closely with Planning Leadership and the merchandising team on designing and implementing thoughtful inventory strategies that promote profitable sales growth and satisfy customer demand.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Chicago, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

• Accountable for end-to-end sales and inventory strategy & projections for fabric, including new items and end-of-life management
• Develop and build long-term projections based on current business trends and forward looking building blocks in coordination with department and company strategies
• In collaboration with Upholstery Senior Planner, Merchants and Sourcing, forecast sales, margin and inventory at a fabric level based on changes in trend strategy or business climate
• Partner closely with Sourcing who will be utilizing the fabric forecasts to partner with vendors and mills regarding their fabric ownership.
• Lead monthly business review to determine current state and future actions that will reduce lead time and optimize customer experience
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Merchandising, Sourcing, and vendors to enable successful business strategies and flawless execution.
• Work with Merchandising and Sourcing partners to identify and plan/forecast new fabrics and manage discontinued fabrics.
• Manage category planning operations, including maintaining files and managing critical deadlines.
• Responsible for using & enhancing our fabric planner tool to improve forecast accuracy, leading to stronger availability and increased customer satisfaction due to less delays.

• Strong financial acumen and experience in presenting data and analysis
• Strong communication skills within team and department; work consistency and accuracy
• Aptitude for spreadsheet and planning tools
• Proven ability to work with attention to detail and accuracy

• Minimum of 2 years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying or equivalent experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience with inventory management, IT systems, product pipeline process design, and promotional strategies
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field