[Hiring] Merchandise Planner @PCNA

Role Description

The Merchandise Planner plays a critical role within the supply chain team at PCNA. This position is responsible for driving decisions and strategies that optimize sales, margins, inventory turnover, and GMROI goals. Working closely with Category Managers, this individual will develop, execute, and refine strategies aligned with company objectives to deliver best-in-class category and inventory performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory & Category Management:
  • Manage designated product categories to achieve company goals for sales, profitability, and inventory turns while maximizing working capital.
  • Analyze category and item performance data to influence strategies that maximize category performance, address gaps, and support company objectives.
  • Know Open-To-Buy (OTB) inventory management and provide insights into category-level inventory flows.
• Demand Forecasting and Planning:
  • Forecast, analyze, and manage product demand to optimize stock levels and meet customer demand.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to align forecasts, understand promotional impacts, and adjust inventory strategies accordingly.
  • Use demand and supply planning tools to drive accurate forecasting, and work with internal teams and vendors to support forecasted demand.
• Sales and Profitability Analysis:
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of sales, margin, and profitability to identify trends and optimize category performance.
  • Create ad-hoc analyses to react to business trends, support decision-making, and inform senior leadership on category and item-level performance.
• Replenishment Strategies:
  • Collaborate with Category Managers to develop inventory replenishment and allocation strategies, ensuring balanced stock across channels.
  • Monitor product mix across price points, manage individual item performance, and ensure effective inventory turnover.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Actively participate in monthly performance meetings, providing data-backed insights and recommendations.
  • Coordinate with the imports, quality control, product compliance, and trade compliance teams to ensure a smooth product flow and regulatory adherence.
• Vendor & Capacity Management:
  • Develop capacity forecasts and collaborate with vendors to ensure they can meet forecasted demand.
  • Address overstock, closeout items, and inventory flow challenges to achieve targeted inventory levels and turns.
• Reporting and Analytics:
  • Create regular reports on inventory status, sales performance, and forecasting accuracy.
  • Communicate effectively across teams, promoting data sharing and transparency to support cohesive strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain/Logistics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years related work experience.
• APICS certification a plus.
• Background in demand forecasting/planning and inventory analysis.

Requirements

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong business acumen.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate, influence, problem solve and drive performance through strong execution skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced level Excel Skills.
• Knowledge of automated demand and supply planning software.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare and benefits packages including medical, vision, dental, disability, and more.
• Flexible scheduling.
• 401k matching.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• PCNA Cares Share Fund – donating to teammates in times of need.