Inventory Management Associate Planner

Who We Are

For over 60 years, we have shared stories from across the globe that remind you of a time you cherished, a place you love, and people who make you feel at home. Our unique assortment of products sourced and designed around the world has inspired the home decorator, entertainer, and gifter, and we continue to be inspired by you. Your authenticity, impact, and distinction drive our success and inspire us to be inclusive, collaborative, open-minded, adaptable, honest, and respectful.

What You’ll Do

The Associate Planner assists in developing and managing departmental financial plans to support merchandising strategies. This role collaborates closely with merchandising teams to create item, program, and category strategies aligned with financial objectives. The Associate Planner monitors performance and recommends changes to enhance profitability and productivity. Under the guidance of a Planner, Sr. Planner or Director, this position provides support in various planning activities and gains deeper exposure to inventory management processes.

Opportunities for Growth:

This role is designed for individuals needing to further develop their retail planning and inventory management skills before taking on a broader Planner role. The Associate Planner will receive mentorship from experienced Directors, Merchants, and Planners to help them hone their business acumen, ad hoc analysis, communication style and presentation skills. Successful candidates will gain valuable experience that can lead to advanced planning roles within the company.

Key Responsibilities:

The below apply for designated areas of responsibility. Specific ownership will be determined by role based on the needs of the business.

Drive Inventory and Business Results Management:

• Manage Annual Financial plans and Open-to-Buy (OTB) at the department and/or category level with monthly presentation to company leadership.
• Develop pre-season financial plans and in-season analyses, including units, sales, and margin at SKU, program, collection, or category levels for areas of ownership and execute buys that support these plans.
• Develop profitable entrance and exit strategies with merchandising for new, seasonal and core replacement programs.
• Own cost to assort for core schematic, seasonal shops and features and ensure alignment between buy plans and allocation execution.
• Monitor inventory levels and help ensure alignment with sales forecasts and merchandising strategies.
• Develop and prepare reports and analyses to inform decision-making by the team and management.

Collaborate with Merchandising Teams:

• Work with Merchants on costing and assortment for core schematics, seasonal shops, and guidelines to ensure margin targets are met and assortment will meet sales objectives.

Partner with Inventory Management Analyst and Specialist:

• Communicate assortment plan with Inventory Management Analyst to achieve appropriate inventory optimization by store level, and collaborate on allocation strategies to support schematic, shops, features and core goods to stay within in stock and turn goals.
• Direct Inventory Management Specialist in PO generation, maintenance, and vendor communication.

Planning for Promotions:

• Develop and manage forecasts for sales, markdowns and margin for shops and advertising initiatives in collaboration with Merchant partners.
• Validate and ensure inventory availability for promotional events.

Order Flow Management:

• Own the management of order flow quantities to meet sales, inventory, margin, distribution center (DC) space planning, and turn targets for designated areas of ownership.
• Ensure timely placement of orders based on lead times and business needs.
• Maintain core in stock levels in accordance with company targets.

Product Lifecycle Strategies:

• Collaborate with merchandising to develop profitable entrance and exit strategies for new, seasonal, and core replacement programs.
• Manage discontinued inventories and develop in-season pricing strategies to optimize margins.

Purchase Order and Vendor Communication:

• Communicate with vendors regarding projections, order placements, and delivery schedules.

What You’ll Bring

• BS or BA degree required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in planning, merchandising, inventory management, or a related area preferred.
• Internship or coursework in retail planning or merchandising is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to deal with ambiguity and complexities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including advanced-level Excel, and familiarity with data analysis tools.
• Proficient communication and collaboration abilities.
• Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment consistent with the requirements of all applicable law.
• Work Location: Hybrid. You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office.

Why We Love It

• Work-life balance is a priority.
• Up to 30% employee discount and product sample sales!
• A fun and supportive work environment where you feel welcomed and safe. 
• A culture of inclusion that empowers you to be your best authentic self.
• Opportunities to make an impact through your passions.
• Wellness Programs
• Accrued Vacation, Sick Time and Personal Holidays.  
• Eligible employees offered Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, 401(k) Savings Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance and more.  

CA Pay Range is $90,000 - $110,000 annually

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If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the on-line application, please contact the Human Resource Department:

Phone: 1-833-680-2399

Email: hrsupport@worldmarket.com

This email address is only to request reasonable accommodation for the application process due to a medical condition. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation for such reason, please use the apply button below to complete an application and upload your resume.
 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which depending on your location may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.