Inventory Management VA

The Merchandise Planning Manager will support the Director of Inventory Management in all aspects of merchandise and assortment planning for our e-commerce apparel company. This role will focus on optimizing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and ensuring product availability across our diverse assortment, which is split equally between just-in-time (JIT) print production items and long-lead time import products. The position requires a strategic approach to balance short-term flexibility with long-term planning.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain sales forecasts and inventory plans for assigned product categories.
• Analyze sales trends, inventory levels, and market data to make informed recommendations on buy quantities and assortment planning.
• Support the daily planning process for just-in-time (JIT) printed goods, including trend analysis and production schedule optimization.
• Collaborate with the Product Development team to align inventory plans with new product launches and promotions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-through rates, weeks of supply, and inventory turnover.
• Prepare and present regular reports on sales performance, inventory status, and forecast accuracy.
• Develop and implement markdown strategies to optimize inventory and maintain margins.
• Lead the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process for assigned categories, ensuring purchasing budgets are managed effectively.
• Identify opportunities for inventory optimization and cost savings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Marketing, and Finance to ensure alignment on inventory strategies.
• Assist in the continuous improvement of merchandise planning processes and tools.

Attribute Planning and Item Management:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive attribute planning system for all products, including season codes, product themes, colors, trends, and other relevant characteristics.
• Ensure accurate and consistent attribution of all items in the product information management (PIM) system.
• Analyze attribute-based sales performance to identify trends and inform future product development and inventory decisions.
• Work with the Product Development team to establish and maintain standardized naming conventions and categorization for all product attributes.
• Conduct regular audits of product attributes to ensure data accuracy and consistency across all systems.
• Utilize attribute data to enhance website navigation, search functionality, and overall customer experience.
• Develop and maintain attribute-based reporting to support decision-making in areas such as assortment planning, pricing, and promotions.
• Assist in creating and managing product lifecycle strategies based on attribute performance.
• Support the implementation and optimization of any software tools used for attribute management and analysis.

Dual Assortment Planning:

• Develop and maintain separate planning strategies for JIT print production items and long-lead time import products.
• For JIT items: a. Support daily demand forecasting and production planning b. Monitor real-time sales trends to identify opportunities for quick replenishment or new design introductions c. Collaborate with the production team to optimize capacity utilization
• For long-lead time import items: a. Assist in seasonal planning and forecasting, typically 6-12 months in advance b. Support the development of pre-season assortment plans c. Monitor and analyze early selling indicators to inform in-season adjustments
• Balance inventory investments between JIT and long-lead time products to optimize cash flow and meet sales targets.
• Collaborate with the Product Development team to align new product introductions with the appropriate production strategy (JIT vs. import).
• Develop and maintain a calendar of key milestones for both JIT and long-lead time products, ensuring timely decision-making and execution.
• Analyze performance metrics for both categories to identify opportunities for improvement in the planning process.
• Support risk management strategies for long-lead time products, including contingency planning for potential supply chain disruptions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or related role, preferably in e-commerce or fashion retail
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools
• Experience with inventory management systems and business intelligence platforms
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

-