Director of Merchandise Planning - State and Liberty Clothing Co.

About Us

State and Liberty Clothing Company is a fast-growing menswear brand known for combining our tailored athletic fit with stretchy performance fabrics. With over 30 retail locations, a thriving e-commerce platform, and a commitment to exceptional customer experiences, we are reshaping the modern man’s wardrobe. As Head of E-Commerce, you will be a key player in driving our digital/omnichannel growth and optimizing our online presence.

Position Summary

The Director of Merchandise Planning at State and Liberty Clothing Company will lead the merchandise planning function to ensure financial and inventory goals are met while driving brand growth. This role collaborates closely with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Store Leadership to plan and execute inventory strategies that align with sales and margin targets, inventory turn goals, and overall company objectives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment, leveraging their expertise to refine processes, develop talent, and strategically guide the business.

Responsibilities:

Merchandise Financial Planning

• Develop annual, seasonal, and monthly merchandise financial plans in alignment with company objectives and historical performance, tailored to State and Liberty’s premium menswear and omnichannel retail strategy.
• Continuously manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) processes, identifying opportunities and mitigating risks to achieve financial targets.
• Drive pricing strategies to maximize sales and margin.
• Partner with Merchandising to set and communicate key performance indicators (e.g., SKU productivity, inventory targets, sales, and gross margin).

Demand Planning

• Create SKU-level sales and inventory plans to ensure optimal stock levels for core and seasonal collections, supporting the company’s mix of retail stores and online channels.
• Conduct assortment and SKU productivity analyses, presenting actionable insights to maximize profitability and inventory turn.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Buyers, and Vendors to align purchase orders with inventory and sales goals.
• Help oversee product flow planning for new product launches and seasonal transitions.

Inventory Management

• Strategize and execute allocation and replenishment plans across multiple store locations and the warehouse to drive sales and operational efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels throughout the product lifecycle, adjusting orders as necessary in collaboration with Sourcing and Vendors.
• Analyze stock levels by store and channel to maintain optimal balance, driving productivity and reducing obsolescence.

Thought Leadership

• Present inventory strategies and planning insights to Executive Leadership, providing data-driven recommendations.
• Identify process improvement opportunities, ensuring scalability and efficiency as State and Liberty continues to grow.

People Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing planning team, focusing on critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide coaching and training to improve forecast accuracy and deepen team expertise in merchandise planning.
• Cultivate a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 7 years in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management, Allocation, or Buying, with proven success in an omnichannel retail environment.
• At least 5 years managing and developing a team of 2+ direct reports.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, BI reporting tools, and retail math; familiarity with Shopify or similar platforms preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate financial metrics with actionable insights.
• Experience leading inventory and planning strategies in a fast-paced retail or eCommerce setting.
• Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a sense of urgency and ability to adapt to dynamic business needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding company.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Employee discounts on State and Liberty products.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits with an employer contribution
• 401K with an employer contribution