Assoc Planner, Merchandise

Overall Job Summary This position is responsible for driving financial performance relating to Sales, Inventory productivity, Sell Through, and Margin for selected Merchandise categories. This is achieved by leveraging data analytics and the interpretation of data from multiple sources to monitor key performance indicators and identify trends, risks, and opportunities, adjusting forecasts, and suggesting appropriate actions to maximize business performance while developing a working knowledge of merchandise planning techniques and principles. Candidate will work to develop and understand the relationship and working dynamic between Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management, Space Planning, Store Ops, Pricing, Supply Chain and Merchandising. The Associate Merch Planner will assist in the creation of Strategic Annual Merchandise plans and Assortment Plans that balance Tractor Supply Company's Merchandise and Inventory Productivity strategies and will collaborate with all functional areas to ensure those plans are executed through the management of the Open-To-Buy and In-Season Monitoring processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

• Primary focus on learning how to build merchandise financial plans, assortment plans and completing financial analysis. Create and present Assortment Plans in accordance with the official line review schedule. Completed assortment plans will accurately reflect a balance of merchandise strategy, financial objectives, and the varying regionality of TSC's stores.
• Develop skills to create, analyze, maintain, and adjust Sales, Gross Margin, and Inventory Forecasts/Open to Buy. Present forecasts to management; analyze to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; provide recommendations and actions as needed. Follow up and report back on progress made on goals.
• Assist with forecasting and planning promotional (circular, event) items and purchases; research previous results and apply learnings to improve forecast accuracy.
• Develop an understanding of how to plan, measure, and implement actions to improve Seasonal Sell-thru. Facilitate and manage the In Season management process and the end of season Correction of Errors process with multiple business partners; suggest and support promotional and markdown strategies to optimize sales and margin while balancing inventory levels; document learnings and provide recommendations.
• Create and maintain "Key Item" plans on strategically important items. Collaborate with Merchandising on a unit sales forecast and Inventory Management on proper receipt flow.
• Support in the creation of the Annual Merchandising Budget with close collaboration from Merchandising and Inventory Management.
• Travel as needed to trade shows, vendor facilities, TSC store and DC tours, and off-site training.

Required Qualifications Experience : 0–3 years of retail, merchandising, planning, finance, or analytical experience. Internship or co-op experience in retail planning, merchandising, or analytics preferred.

Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Retail, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, or related field. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered.

Professional Certifications: None.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, financial acumen, attention to detail and data accuracy, ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment, strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to learn merchandise planning concepts and tools.
• Strong skill set in Microsoft Office, highly skilled in Excel.
• SAP, Business Objects, Relex or other planning/inventory management software.

Working Conditions

• Normal office working conditions

Physical Requirements

• Sitting
• Standing (not walking)
• Walking
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending
• Lifting up to 10 pounds

Disclaimer This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor. Company Info At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

Please visit this link (https://www.tractorsupply.careers/content/Our-Benefits/?locale=en\_US) for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you’re applying for.