Assistant Planner

About the Role:

The Assistant Planner supports merchandise distribution and inventory planning to maximize sales, profitability, and inventory turns while minimizing markdowns and aging product. This hands-on role requires quick decision-making, strong analytical skills, and close partnership with planning, purchasing, stores, and distribution teams. The position reports to the Sr. Inventory Planner.

Responsibilities:

• Execute product distribution strategies to optimize store turns, profitability, and inventory levels.
• Analyze store, regional, and chain-level sales trends; recommend inventory adjustments.
• Manage seasonal allocations based on climate, demographics, and sales patterns.
• Monitor aged, slow-moving, and expiring inventory; partner with planners on action plans.
• Build inventory mixes for new store openings with cross-functional partners.
• Manage store distribution groups by location, volume, size, and performance trends.
• Communicate inventory positions, sales trends, and distribution updates across teams.
• Present reports and analytics to management.
• Support profitable entrance/exit strategies for new, seasonal, and replacement programs.
• Visit stores and warehouses as needed; perform additional duties as assigned.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Intermediate Excel skills preferred.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter who works independently and collaboratively.
• Results-oriented with strong ownership mindset and creativity.