SENIOR DIRECTOR, PLANNING

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

The Senior Director of Merchandise Financial Planning will be responsible for optimizing sales, margin and inventory turns – resulting in profitable sales growth & reduction of inventory. 

Responsible for oversight, development and implementation of merchandise and financial planning processes across a multi-brand business unit. This role will direct a team of planners to develop and deliver overall brand and account plans by strategically driving metrics including sales, margin and turn for current and future seasons. Resourcefulness and agility will be key as you work with multiple business leads, planners and merchandising associates to analyze and incorporate retail trends, develop and manage complex projects, and deliver financial targets.

Overall Responsibilities:

Merchandise Financial Planning:

• Lead strategic, end to end, merchandise planning processes and inventory levels from vendors through the distribution channel and stores to drive sales and profitability targets.
• Oversee the development and execution of pre-season and in-season inventory plans and strategies that support merchandising, marketing and financial objectives.
• Manage pre-season category / SKU planning and handoff– in partnership with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing and Sales.
• Partner closely with finance to provide Sales, Margin and Dilution forecasts.
• Provide ongoing analysis and review using the OTB, works closely with Sales team and Finance to accurately forecast wholesale revenue, RTV’s.

Replenishment Reporting & Analytics: 

• Develop and build standardized reports to perform in-season selling analysis and post season hind-sighting for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross functional peers to develop and communicate a comprehensive inventory strategy that aligns future financial and product opportunities by business unit.
• Lead the development of new capacities and analytics that support the development of pre-season assortment strategies, financial plans, and style level investments and in-season life cycle management.
• Analyze the business on an on-going basis to understand core drivers; identify opportunities and risks.
• Prepare and present reports to Senior Leadership.
• Solicit and perform ad-hoc analysis as needed.

Leadership:

• Oversee a team of category-management and replenishment planners to drive cohesive end to end planning vision.
• Provides leadership, supports, motivates, directs and retains high-caliber staff.
• Builds credibility and strong relationships within the organization, cross functional partners and Division Heads.

• 10+ years of experience, wholesale experience is a must. Retail, e-commerce and/or international experience is a plus.
• Previous experience within a Kids apparel business is a plus. 
• Demonstrated retail math and business acumen, including aspects of markup, margin planning, selling and inventory productivity measures 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Adept at presenting complex material in an organized compelling manner.  
• Strategic thinker who recognizes opportunities and can recommend strategies by building business case and influence senior leaders to move to execution
• Strong conceptual creative capability. Leverages strong product sense to partner with business leaders to drive product assortments and investment strategies that increase business.
• Strong time management skills, attention to detail, problem solving, interpersonal and organizational skills – communication between functional groups is essential
• Proven success in driving results through financial strategies
• Track record of managing and mentoring strong talent in analytical based roles, developing diverse and high performing leaders and teams
• Ability to build a business case and articulate financial concepts to non-financial business partners in a clear and concise manner
• Forecast & Replenishment, Financial Planning, and Allocation system experience preferred
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access or other Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence tools

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $190,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

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Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer