Senior Merchandise Planner

Senior Merchandise PlannerGeneral Position SummaryAs the Senior Merchandise Planner, you will own inventory and sales planning across key product categories for Avara’s ecommerce and retail channels. This role plays a critical part in driving profitable growth through forecasting, open-to-buy management, inventory optimization, and actionable business insights.The Senior Merchandise Planner partners closely with Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to develop and execute financial and inventory strategies that support company goals. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, commercially minded, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth retail environment.Principle Duties and ResponsibilitiesOwn category-level sales, inventory, and open-to-buy plans to support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial targetsDrive sales by analyzing trends, forecasting, and providing quarterly and seasonal plans by department/class/sub-class in advance of buying season. Ensure the purchases meet the planPartner with the Director of Planning on weekly release receipt targetsDemonstrate strong initiative to work independently and in cross functional teams (for example – merchandising, marketing, accounting, etc.)Demonstrate logical analytical abilities, creative problem-solving skills, and financially sound judgment to deliver conclusions and recommendations to all levels of the organizationAbility to tell the story through deep analysis and gain buy-in to deliver business objectives across teamsIdentify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory; provide action plans on a weekly basisPartner with merchandisers to actively manage the lifecycle and flow of inventory. Develop exit strategies and transition strategies for major product platforms; provide guidance on cancellations, markdown needsOn a monthly and quarterly basis, report on the sales and inventory results to plan and LYCreate and maintain categorical size break projections for each apparel departmentOther duties as assignedJob Required Knowledge & SkillsBachelor's degree in finance, operations, economics, business, or statistics required5+ years of retail planning, inventory management, financial planning or financial analysis experienceStrong aptitude for retail math and analysis, ability to work independently in a fast paced retail environment with a strong sense of urgency requiredAbility to communicate and influence decisions to profitably drive the businessMust possess good communication and presentation skillsIdentifies/influences critical stakeholders; proactively problem solves and recommends solutionsDesigns and develops models/plans to optimize decisionsBuild collaborative partnerships cross-functionally; identifies/influences critical stakeholders.Ability to synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisionsProficiency with MS Office, with advanced Excel skills. Ability to advance to high levels of computer literacy; exposure to relevant planning, finance, analytical, data management systems