Merchandise Planning Manager at Columbia Sportswear Company

Portland, Oregon, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Apparel, Retail, SportswearIndustries

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Business, Merchandising or related field
6 or more years experience in retail merchandise planning, buying or allocation; prior retail planning experience is required
Minimum 1 year in management
Experience in a branded vertical apparel & footwear business is preferred
Project Management experience strongly preferred
Omni-channel experience preferred
A strong understanding of retail math including intricacies of open to buy, inventory turnover and gross margin
Familiarity with merchandise management systems and retail planning software
PC proficiency with working knowledge of Excel including writing formulas
Able to work successfully in a team environment and across multiple functions and departments
Exceptionally analytical and have strong problem-solving skills
Organized and have influencing skills required
Analytical and numbers oriented, must have a vision of how merchandise should be presented or grouped, understand store profiles

Responsibilities

Develop, execute and communicate strategic merchandise financial plans and strategies that support the merchandising, marketing and financial objectives of the channel
Manage, train and develop Outlet Merchandise Planners
Lead Outlet team in Demand Planning process, ensuring accurate style forecasts
Direct the development of pre-season sales, gross margin and inventory plans that support product strategies
Recap and analyze actual sales results by product class to plan and forecast in-season business on a weekly, monthly and annual basis; manage OTB process
Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities to business and recommend strategies to achieve financial goals; conduct hindsight analysis to incorporate learnings into current plans
Collaborate with cross-functional partners on traffic projections, promotional strategies to inform store plans
Build Intake Plan to support SMU strategy as well as inventory liquidation strategies; align Sales and Margin Plans
Review total financial plans with Merchandise Managers and DMM to ensure alignment of future financial and product opportunities as well as inventory productivity

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Merchandise PlanningDemand PlanningSales ForecastingInventory PlanningData AnalyticsFinancial PlanningGross Margin AnalysisProduct AnalysisTeam ManagementStrategic Planning

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the main responsibilities of the Merchandise Planning Manager?

You will develop and execute strategic merchandise financial plans, manage and train Outlet Merchandise Planners, lead demand planning, analyze sales results, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to meet business objectives.

What skills are required for this position?

Candidates need to be exceptionally analytical with strong problem-solving skills, organized with influencing skills, numbers-oriented, able to work successfully in a team environment across multiple functions, and have a vision for merchandise presentation.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the company culture at Columbia Sportswear emphasize?

The company is passionate about the outdoors, based in the Pacific Northwest, focused on relentless improvement inspired by founder Gert Boyle, and committed to protecting the planet while empowering people to experience the outdoors.

Columbia Sportswear Company

Designs and sells outdoor apparel and gear

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company designs and sells a variety of outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, and accessories like hats and backpacks. Their products are aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and active individuals of all ages. Columbia's products are known for their quality and durability, setting them apart from competitors in the outdoor apparel market. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model, selling via their website, retail stores, and partnerships with other retailers, which helps them reach a wide audience. Their goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that enhances the experience of those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Portland, OregonHeadquarters

1938Year Founded

$40KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Wellness Program

Employee Discounts

Mental Health Support

Risks

The new Cherry Hill Mall store may face challenges in a competitive retail environment.

The Vader Collection may not resonate with Columbia's core customer base.

Strategic shifts by new marketing leadership could impact brand loyalty.

Differentiation

Columbia Sportswear offers innovative outdoor apparel with a strong brand reputation.

The company employs a multi-channel sales strategy for broad market reach.

Columbia's collaborations, like the Star Wars collection, attract niche markets.

Upsides

The rise of outdoor activities post-pandemic boosts demand for Columbia's products.

Collaborations with franchises like Star Wars enhance brand visibility and appeal.

Direct-to-consumer sales and social media marketing reach younger demographics effectively.

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