Description Your Role: The Director of Merchandise Planning is responsible for merchandise planning of multiple books of business (collections of Sub-Brands or Classes of merchandise) in retail points of distribution (stores and digital) and coordinates the alignment of all functions. The Director collaborates with the Merchant team to interpret the brand growth plan and build assortment architecture in order to execute plans in alignment with the business strategy. The Director serves as the key liaison between Marketing, Finance, Merchants, Store Operations, and Sourcing / Production in the development of the plans (sales, margin and inventory) to achieve agreed upon financial targets for specified books of business. The Director translates themed strategies from Commercialization and Merchants into an actionable plan. The Director analyzes current business trend, market data and feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and improvements based on these assessments. The Director is also be responsible for resolving consensus issues created in driving to a “one number” plan. The Director will manage a team and will play a leading role in talent development. Your Impact Merchandise Planning • Partner with Merchants to develop business plans that meet category targets and the financial strategy pursued is consistent with the brand growth plan • Develop theme plans, assortment architecture and an execution strategy that is aligned with brand growth plan; provide direction to team and guiding tasks to support the theme • Review opportunities and risks associated with the business’ current financial position and actual performance; make recommendations to alter • Build consensus on demand plans for the respective category of businesses (revenue, margin realization, receipts, and inventory) • Manage and maintain calendar of events/promotions • Present analysis and recommendations in key cross-functional meetings, including the review and approval of recommendations to be presented at the S&OP forum • Recommend action and communicate issues that relate to Merchandising and may hinder the ability to achieve financial objectives • Work cross-functionally, to ensure proper support, coordination and problem resolution of Merchandise issues with Marketing, Finance, Merchants, Store Operations and Sourcing/Production • Act as conduit for best practices, encourage dissemination of new ideas and methodologies Innovation • Evaluate current processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement • Create an environment which supports the open exchange of ideas • Value smart risk taking, encourage fresh thinking and challenge conventional wisdom. • Ensure teams proactively exchange ideas and share information to improve results. Think Talent • Recruit and hire the right people; assume a proactive role in building an external talent pipeline; prioritize time for interviews and give timely, relevant feedback; provide consistent and comprehensive job preview to candidates • Build a strong team with complementary strengths; ensure key talent has robust development plans with targeted assignments for skill development • Actively participate in function/brand talent assessment processes targeted to identify skill gaps and strategies; build strong bench strength • Coach and develop a quality, productive team committed to organizational goals and financial growth of the business, including: • Succession planning and matching talent to the needs of the business • Regular performance feedback • Formal and informal training (coaching, one-on-one development) and provision of resources to address personal growth and development • Leadership development of managers • Establish and measure against performance metrics • Manage performance through goal alignment, coaching and consistent application of performance standards • Build support and enthusiasm for the accomplishment of key business objectives; recognize progress and celebrate results Click here for benefit details related to this position. Minimum Salary: $148,000.00 Maximum Salary: $209,790.00 VS&Co provides a range of compensation for this role as shown. Your actual salary will be determined by a number of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic region, or other relevant factors. Qualifications Your Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, statistics, operations or supply chain • 10+ years of experience in inventory management, demand forecasting, planning • Previous experience with vertically integrated beauty/personal care business strongly preferred • Strong leadership and team building skills; supervisory/management experience • Retail supply chain knowledge • Experience with forecasting methodologies and statistical modeling • Strong communication and negotiation skills • Optimization mindset – designs and develops plans to optimize decisions • Strong problem solving skills – makes decisions with limited information • Excellent analytical and strategic-thinking skills • Communicates/builds partnerships cross functionally • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Excellent leadership and presentation skills • Strong sense of initiative, urgency, and accuracy • Ability to build relationships and partner successfully with colleagues across functions and brands • Strong computer skills; experience in variety of decision support and statistical software tools We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance An equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected category recognized by state, federal or local laws. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.