Overview:

General Summary:

The Associate Wholesale Planner is responsible for supporting all activities associated with managing our financial, demand, and inventory management for the Wholesale Value business for Eddie Bauer and other SPARC brands. They will provide support to sales and other cross-functional teams by establishing process and analytical tools to drive an efficient and profitable business. They must develop, execute and communicate merchandise and account strategies as well as financial plans that support the merchandising and financial objectives for the brand. This is a key position for cash flow optimization. The individual should exude business agility and strategic thinking, leveraging internal and external data to make fact-based decisions.

Responsibilities:

Core Position Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning functions for all Off-price accounts to include ecom and drop ship.
• Own the monthly forecast & budget process and push to achieve company financial and merchandise objectives.
• Develop and implement business plans by account to ensure net sales and gross margin targets are met.
• Create and maintain all weekly reporting and recaps
• Proactively develop ad-hoc analytical reports and tools to meet the changing needs of the business.
• Prepare key analysis for management including strategic recommendations to maximize sales and profitability.
• Create market buy tools and place market buys with production. Monitor vendor po’s to ensure accurate and on-time.
• Create assortment plans and provide SKU targets using historical data and current trends
• Compile hindsight reporting by account for use in future planning and forecasting
• Establish strong partnerships with Merchandising, Production, and the Sales team
• Support in reviewing inbound and outbound inventory flow

Qualifications:

Position Requirements:

• 4+ years planning, forecasting, or other relevant analytical roles within the industry. Must have wholesale experience.
• Bachelors degree (preferably in Merchandising, Business, Finance).
• Advanced business knowledge of merchandising and forecasting concepts with an understanding of their operational and financial impacts.
• Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business.
• Must be system savvy with a high proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel

Additional requirements:

• Result-oriented and self-motivated individual with a strong sense of urgency
• Must be proactive with the ability to multi task and prioritize initiatives as well as adaptable to changing demands.
• Robust problem solving, analytical, and data management skills.
• Exhibits high standards and accountability; detail oriented person who takes pride in maintaining superior accuracy
• Thrives in a dynamic environment and enthusiastic about approaching complex issues with creative solutions.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and effectively interact with multiple levels.
• Travel may be required, based on business needs.
• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards and Company’s policy.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods
• Ability to position self to reach at or below shoulder level
• TBD based on role (carrying equipment, moving boxes/samples, etc.)

Requirements & EEO Statement: The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, SPARC Group, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available from our Human Resources Department. SPARC Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law (“Protected Characteristics”).