Job Description: Retail Sales Planner
Position: Retail Sales Planner
Department: Merchandising
Reports to: Merchandising Manager
Job Summary:
The Retail Sales Planner is responsible for driving sales and optimizing inventory through effective merchandise planning and forecasting. This role requires exceptional analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve sales targets and maximize profitability. The Retail Sales Planner will primarily focus on creating and executing merchandise plans, analyzing sales data, and providing actionable insights to improve overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Develop and execute merchandise plans:
- Collaborate with merchandising team to create comprehensive merchandise plans aligned with company objectives.
- Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to determine product assortment, pricing, and inventory levels.
- Identify opportunities to maximize sales and profitability through effective inventory management.
- Review and adjust merchandise plans based on sales performance, customer feedback, and market conditions.
2. Sales forecasting and demand planning:
- Utilize sales data, market intelligence, and historical trends to accurately forecast demand for various product categories.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure accurate inventory levels to meet customer demand.
- Monitor sales performance against forecast, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions.
3. Inventory management and allocation:
- Develop and implement effective inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and minimize excess inventory.
- Collaborate with buying and planning teams to allocate products to stores based on sales trends, customer demand, and store-specific requirements.
- Monitor inventory turnover, sell-through, and stock levels to identify opportunities for improvement.
4. Sales analysis and reporting:
- Analyze sales data, promotional activity, and market trends to provide insights and recommendations to drive sales growth.
- Prepare and present reports on sales performance, inventory levels, and product availability to management and cross-functional teams.
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of merchandise planning and sales strategies.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, merchandising, or a related field.
- Proven experience in retail sales planning, merchandise planning, or related roles within the retail industry.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends to drive decision-making.
- Proficiency in using merchandise planning and forecasting tools, as well as advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis and reporting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of retail merchandising principles, inventory management, and sales forecasting methodologies.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment and work under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically to achieve business goals.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.