Merchandising Planner

REI Co-op is seeking a Merchandising Planner to help us achieve our financial goals through accurate forecasting, vendor relations, and effective product inventory management. This role is crucial for maintaining strong business relationships with Merchandising Product and Replenishment teams, vendor partners, and cross-divisional colleagues, providing detailed business insights to support growth for both Retail stores and Digital businesses.

Overview

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. Our goal is to help people find and enjoy the outdoors, and when you work for the co-op, you do your best work and receive support to live your best life. You'll help shape the future of the outdoors for people and the planet.

Responsibilities:

Business

• Own the creation of seasonal forecasts for product demand based on research and input from Merchant Product partners.
• Partner with the Category Planning Manager (CPM) to reconcile category forecasts with seasonal financial plans, ensuring goals are achievable and presenting the plan to department leadership.
• Examine and act on product trends and performance with a forward-looking mindset to deliver sales.
• Apply sound financial actions to product strategy to deliver growth.
• Manage product inventory flow in-season & pre-season to achieve performance goals.
• Initiate and manage purchase orders.
• Drive vendor accountability for delivery accuracy and timeliness, and negotiate to achieve profitability goals.
• Manage markdown planning and product end-of-lifecycle recommendations.

Team

• Use proven communication skills to engage and challenge others for the achievement of business goals.
• Provide insights and feedback to Merchant Product & Planning partners to influence better Assortment Planning.
• Provide ad-hoc examination and reporting to support business needs as a category specialist.
• Partner with Merchandising Data Specialist & Assistant Category Merchant to manage open orders.
• Partner with Replenishment Analyst on funding & prioritizing In Season item reactions.

Self

• Pursue self-development through work with your Manager, training, and networking with other FAs.
• Develop change management skills to thrive in an expanding work environment.
• Take part in cross-functional project opportunities to gain co-op wide perspective.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of merchandising experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Familiarity and interest in REI products, activities, and services.
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, Explorer.
• Experience with product trend and inventory examination, forecasting, acquisition, allocation, and management for multiple stores and digital sales.
• Knowledge and effective execution of merchandising math methods: open to buy, initial mark-up, gross margin, markdowns, shrink, damages, inventory turnover.
• Excellent communication skills, business sense, creative thinking, and good judgment to solve problems or find business opportunities.

Closing:

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency:

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range: $74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year