The Demand Planner for the European Consumer Products business, will be responsible for partnering with Sales, Finance, Category Management and Allocations to improve demand accuracy and ensure adequate supply levels and timing for each retail partner. This position will be responsible for supporting the overall supply and demand management process; effectively driving excellence in demand planning that supports divisional financial targets.
This role can be offered on a hybrid basis working 2-3 days from our European HQ in Erdington, Birmingham.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Design inventory strategies to support the balance of new, core, carryover merchandise by continuing to measure, develop and improve various KPI’s for in-stock and inventory turn objectives.
2. Develop a style level quarterly buy plan process that supports an efficient and successful end to end planning process.
3. Manage the forecast process in Blue Yonder for all accounts.
4. Evaluate real-time forecast consumption and consumer level POS information, take corrective action to optimize inventory in accordance with the trends.
5. Monitor significant variances between sales forecasts, budgets, and P&L’s and report findings to executive team.
6. Manage the monthly S&OP Meetings for your channel. Understand performance by category as well as by partner. Communicate potential risks/opportunities between the demand plan and financial plan and any mitigation plans.
7. Review excess and obsolete inventory, partner with Sales and Finance to recommend exit strategies, disposition and reserves.
8. Provide leadership support/management to planning team.
9. Manage and keep up to date the department’s master calendar capturing all key events within the business.
10. Responsible for routine reporting/tasks and ad hoc projects.
11. Participate in team/cross functional meetings to discuss inventory strategies and escalate and resolve issues as necessary.
12. Manage direct reports such that they are fully aware of key trading issues to ensure efficient and smooth running of all areas relating to the assigned retail partner.
13. Lead the department to drive efficiency and best practices.
14. Responsible for the training, development, and performance reviews of direct reports.
What are we looking for?
To be considered for this role we are keen to speak to people with the following skills and experience:
15. Business degree or Fashion related degree such as a BA in Textile Management, Fashion Journalism, Fashion and Marketing or Merchandising Management
16. Solid experience gained within a Merchandising role
17. Strong math and analytical skills
18. Strong written and verbal communication skills
19. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
20. Store or Retail experience a plus
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.