Senior Director, Merchandise Planning & Allocation

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Job description

Overview:
Forever 21 has been a leader in the global fast fashion market since its humble beginnings in Downtown LA. Today we operate 350+ stores across the USA and a robust e-commerce platform. Forever 21 is a powerhouse. Our mission is to inspire individual self-expression through amazing fashion and our DNA is rooted in Inclusivity, Customer-Centricity, and Accessibility.

With a renewed focus on the customer experience, we offer high-style designs and fashion basics with compelling values and a dynamic store environment. Whether we're collaborating with your favorite brands, and influencers or setting trends - we are always striving to make Forever 21 your go-to fashion destination to shop, work, and play!

Join us - tomorrow is yours to define Forever!

The Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning & Allocation is responsible for the successful end-to-end Global Inventory Management and allocation of Forever 21 merchandise, for all divisions, product categories, channels, and countries. Reporting directly to the VP of Planning and Allocation, the goal of the Sr. Director of Merchandise Allocation is to direct and properly manage the allocation of merchandise to stores through the development, execution, and communication of financial and inventory plans and strategies to meet sales, gross margin, and inventory objectives.

Responsibilities:
Oversee the development and maintenance of overall allocation strategies and targets, based off of company sales performance and trends

Develop and deliver merchandise analysis at a store and market level to inform and guide decision making, including weekly analysis and insights into product and store sales performance

Determine the company's optimal total inventory level based on a thorough assessment of current inventory, sales performance, and projected sales levels

Partner with Planning, Buying, and Distribution Center teams on the timing and quantity of new and seasonal products to flow into the stores

Manage team of Allocators by balancing workload priorities across the team to ensure successful execution of inventory management

Develop and communicate comprehensive department financial & product strategies and ensure alignment of multiple department plans

Actively participate in open-to-buy activities, incorporating call outs on opportunities and or risks to the financial forecast

Implement consistent and profitable in-season replenishment strategies and practices, defining also the weekly inventory targets for allocators and making necessary revisions to existing allocation plans

Collaborate with Merchandise Planners and Buying groups to identify growth opportunities and minimize down-trending business. This includes identifying the best assortment of merchandise for stores, based on past sales performances, emerging trends, and store needs

Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to the Allocation team, serving as the main point person for complex questions and to provide best practices

Qualifications:
Must have a Bachelor's degree in an analytical field such as Finance, Mathematics, etc.; MBA preferred

Must at least 12-15 years of retail allocation, planning, and/or supply chain experience; Merchant or merchandising experience is a plus; 3+ years of director level experience is preferred

Must have excellent Microsoft Excel skills, including v-lookups, pivot tables, and basic macros; Must be comfortable handling and manipulating large data sets

Must have experience using Retail Allocation Management Systems such as E3-JDA software • Must have an expert command of retail math concepts, applications, and statistical analysis

Must be highly attentive to detail due to the nature of the job being predominately numbers based

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate resolution of allocation issues and to interact with all level of employees from Executives on down

Must have a strong analytical acumen and skill set, including the ability to recognize trends and patterns within a large and complex data set

Why we think you'll love it here

At Forever 21, we foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. In addition to our comprehensive benefits package which you can find at , you will unlock competitive Paid Time Off for personal, sick, and vacation time each year, enjoy most national holidays (paid), enjoy a flexible work schedule with our current hybrid policy for most corporate roles, free onsite parking and gym access in DTLA as well as eligibility to participate in our annual bonus incentive program to name a few.

We actively encourage our current and future employees to:

Unleash your style - where your self-expression and creativity inspire others. Employees can take advantage of our relaxed corporate dress code showing up in a way that makes them feel comfortable, stylish, and unique!

Embrace your individuality - we value the diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds that make each person one-of-a-kind. We celebrate what makes you exceptional!

Own your Journey- Where personal & professional growth goes hand in hand. Embrace your journey, learn, adapt, and make a lasting impact. At Forever 21, you will have the opportunity to grow your retail career from stores to corporate and across our portfolio of brands under our parent, Sparc Group LLC!

ADDITIONAL DATA:

The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $190,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, Forever 21, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found at (url removed).

SPARC Group LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals in the job application and interview process.

Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.

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