Assortment Planning Specialist

Company: West Marine, Inc.
Location: Watsonville
Posted on: June 8, 2021

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Assortment Planning Specialist is a key driver in the execution of assortment changes, the preservation of Assortment Planning system maintenance and integrity, namely VMS and SLIM, and the improvement of internal programs or process methodologies. The Assortment Planning Specialist supports the Assortment Planning Manager and performs various duties in the absence of the Manager. The Assortment Planning Specialist is accomplished in performing day-to-day tasks, is skilled at adapting to dynamic project priorities, and comfortable providing valuable recommendations regarding, but not limited to, assortment analysis, especially in the pursuit of sales, margin and inventory optimization. The Assortment Planning Specialist must also have a zeal for learning new tools, programs or systems and enthusiasm for their successful implementation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily updates and maintenance of the Visual Merchandising System (VMS). Ensure that all responsibilities pertaining to Plan-O-Gram creation and validation occur accurately and on-time. Ensure the accuracy of Store/POG assignments. 20%
• Conduct analysis of assortment productivity at the Plan-O-Gram (POG), Department and Store levels to provide specific recommendations for Remodels, Re-Assorts, and New Product Rollouts (NPRs) based on Store/assortment performance. 15%
• Assist in the development and optimization of best practices for tools, metrics, and the successful execution of Assortment Planning project goals. 15%
• Review and evaluate field requests for assortment changes. Partnering with field, merchandising, and visual teams, analyze the estimated profitability (sales, margin, inventory, expense) associated with the assortment change. Present analysis and recommendations to stakeholders and negotiate outcome. 20%
• Support the Assortment Change, NPR, New Store, Remodel and Relocation processes thru timely action and execution 20%
• Assist in the documentation and preservation of accurate Assortment Planning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 10%

Education and Experience:

• Three to five years of corporate retail experience or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in finance, business or related field is preferred.
• Equivalent work experience is also acceptable.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of PC and mainframe computing applications including Excel, and Query400. Experience with JDA MMS is strongly preferred.
• Must have an excellent ability to gather and interpret information as well as develop solution-based recommendations.
• Must have excellent critical thinking and resourcefulness skills.
• Must have excellent organizational, communication, planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be multi-task oriented and able to work in an ever evolving fast-paced environment.

Keywords: West Marine, Inc., Watsonville , Assortment Planning Specialist, Other , Watsonville, California