Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management - The Container Store Inc.

The Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management responsible for managing the Merchandise Planning and Inventory team.  This position supports all merchandise planning strategies to drive sales and gross margin for the company.  This position requires collaboration with many operational areas in the company to actively support all initiatives related to product Dept and SKU Planning, Inventory Forecasting, Store Replenishment, and Distribution Center Inventory management.  In addition, this position works directly with the Financial Planning, Buying and Marketing Team to develop sales performance strategies.

Position Reports To

Vice President, Merchandise Planning and Allocation

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages, coaches and develops the Merchandise Planning team, incorporating them in all aspects of the business and establishing an environment that encourages and challenges them to grow and become more effective leaders
• Monitors Open to Buy process, allocation, inventory forecasting and inventory management effectiveness by utilizing company reporting and systems
• Leads communication with the Store Leadership team; Regional Directors, Area Directors, Store Managers on store inventory. In partnership with Visual Sales, manages store communication on campaign inventory, new store inventory, replenishment adjustments and store inventory inquires
• Works with the VP DMM and VP Planning and Allocation on company strategy and Department Level Financial Plans.
• Leads Monthly Open to Buy Process to forecast sales, GM, receipts and inventory by Dept. Partners with the Merchandising team to evaluate forecast compared to actual sales results on a regular basis and recommend action as needed. Key focus is to manage forecast trends and impact to needed inventory
• Partners with Visual and New Store teams to ensure that replenishment accuracy is maintained for all store formats and new stores
• Supports the Pricing Manager with promotional pricing, product quality issue resolution, Shrink and General damages, and Vendor Credit support
• Analyzes company and department level business performance to ensure that company sales and inventory plan is achieved and communicates findings and trends to the Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain and Accounting teams
• Partners with Merchandise Planning and Buying team on the campaign and Offer sales and margin forecast roll-up for all campaigns including forecast adjustment suggestions and communicates the total sales projection to Buying leadership team.
• Develops the merchandise inventory plan for the company financial plan on a quarterly basis
• Leverages planning and analytical expertise to maximize sales, inventory and gross margin. Creates new tools and templates to analyze business and improve effectiveness of team.
• Monitors inventory levels in the Stores and DC and suggests changes in Purchase Order and store replenishment strategy as needed
• Supports system projects related to Planning & Allocation, Forecasting, Inventory Coordination, Store replenishment, and Business Analysis

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates. 
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
• Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
• Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.

But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.

Experience and Skills Required

• College degree (MBA) preferred
• Minimum of 12 to 15 years planning and allocation experience with at least seven years as a manager
• Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth area on a hybrid schedule
• Proficiency with advanced Excel, Microsoft Word and Powerpoint. Proficiency in advanced analytics and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). Experience with data reporting systems (MicroStrategy) a plus
• Knowledge of automated retail replenishment systems in both Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-Store
• Deep understanding of omnichannel retail strategies and experience with inventory optimization techniques and technologies
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and deadlines at once
• Knowledge of industry business and passion for following trends in the industry
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to quickly separate the mission-critical tasks from the lower priority tasks; focuses on the most value-added projects of the day or week
• Ability to work within and exemplify The Container Store brand which we describe as matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused and life-changing

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer  

The Container Store strongly believes in fair practices and consideration for others. Our company does not tolerate unlawful discrimination of any kind for any reason. The Container Store provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetics, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, pregnancy related disability leave, status as a U.S. military veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. 

Americans with Disabilities Act  

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. 

Office Physical Requirements  

All positions in our Store Support Center require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, stores and vendors, all employees must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. The Container Store is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship. 

State Specific Notices  

Massachusetts Applicants: IT IS UNLAWFUL IN MASSACHUSETTS TO REQUIRE OR ADMINISTER A LIE DETECTOR TEST AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND CIVIL LIABILITIES.  

Maryland Applicants: UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100. 

The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.