LidsU Associate Merchandise Planner I

About Our Company

Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US and abroad. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Lululemon, and Mitchell & Ness. In addition to our wide assortment, we are the industry leader in on demand customization.

We currently operate 1,300+ brick and mortar locations, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, Paris Saint-Germain, and the two largest MLB franchises, via our Yankees & Dodgers Clubhouse stores. Lids have built partnerships and collaborations with iconic global brands including Marvel/Disney, Playboy, Travis Scott's Cactus Jack, and Post Malone, creating a community where fans, fashion, and culture collide.

General Position Summary

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for building financial sales, gross margin, and inventory plans for both pre-season and in-season time periods. Partner with Buying & Merchandising group to create & deliver local assortment strategies maximizing sales and profits. Responsible for the successful development, execution and communication of financial and inventory plans. Provide analytics and support to the Merchandising organization as well as Executive updates on business performance.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development of annual, seasonal, monthly & weekly merchandise plans
• Construct merchandise purchase schedules; initial product deliveries and in-season merchandise flow.
• Manage monthly department level open to buy activities.
• Provide expert analysis on trends and recommendation to influence cancellations, future purchases, and assortment strategies.
• Analyze historic performance to identify areas of opportunity or risk.
• Prepare preseason promotional and markdown strategy through partnership with buyer and merchandising.
• Develop, maintain, and update set of tools & reports to support the needs of the business.
• Establish appropriate process & tools to review product assortments; providing data & analysis to support decision making.
• Maintain business processes and serve as subject matter expert for process improvements.

Additional Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop enterprise wide risk mitigation plans and execute when appropriate.
• Test multiple business strategies simultaneously, quantifying & communicating business impacts.
• Manage sku intensive businesses.
• Manage location intensive assortments.
• Deliver local, regionally relevant assortments and business solutions.
• Manage multiple channels & banners that Lids Sports Group operates under.
• Communicate effectively, and at times persuasively, with employees at all levels of the company.
• Support and adhere to all company policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Job Required Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising or a related field.
• 1- 3  years merchandising, planning, buying, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of retail math and measure used in financial reporting.
• Proven ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer and maneuver relative software programs.
• Analytic Skills: Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from quantitative and qualitative data
• Financial and Business Acumen: Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable information to drive results.
• Problem Solving & Decision Quality: Able to use rigorous logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions

Work Environment

• Onsite office work environment.
• Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., flexibility may be provided upon request.

Physical Demands and Travel Requirements

• Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed (i.e. computers screens, documents, etc.)
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.