Category Management Planner

Support Center - Irving
Category Management Planner is key business partner with Category Manager and Category Director (CM/CD)(s) to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory.
Major Activities
Analysis
Provide CD/CM with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory, in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plans
Ensure corporate inventory initiatives are included in dept strategies
Optimize seasonal inventory flow
In season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resets
Partner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goals
Purchase Planning
Use MFP (Michaels Financial Planning) to create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programs
Owns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plans
Incorporates correction of errors
Recommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flow
Recommend optimal inner and master packs
Partner with pricing and CD/CM to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend product
Evaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunities
Develop and adhere to critical timelines
Assortment Planning
Ensure assortments are completed within specific timeframes
Participate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information, and make appropriate recommendations
Reset support
Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timeline
Implement discontinue timing
Implement order placement timing for new product with CD/CM and replenishment team
Monitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecast
Update finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financials
Minimum Education
BS or equivalent
Business, retail or related field
Minimum Special Certifications or technical skills
Microsoft Office literate, especially Excel
Minimum Type of experience the job requires
2-5 years in retail
Numerical analysis and project management experience
Other
Ability to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasks
Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraints
Preferred Special Certifications or technical skills
Planning system skills preferred
Preferred Type of experience the job requires
2+ years in retail planning or allocation preferred
Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.
At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.
Michaels offers a range of benefits to support team members and their families. Depending on position and eligibility, team members may have access to a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental, and vision coverage, telemedicine services, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, and various voluntary insurance options. All team members enjoy everyday perks such as employee discounts and access to partner discount programs. For a summary of benefits, visit the Michaels Benefits at a Glance page. For additional information regarding benefits, visit MIKBenefits.com
Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.
Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).
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