Merchandise Planning Manager at AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Merchandise Planning Manager

Location

Chicago, IL (On-site)

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Merchandise Planning Manager to join our team and work closely with the Senior Director to enhance our planning infrastructure. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and refining merchandise planning systems that support our growth and operational efficiency. You will create and implement strategies to optimize inventory management, forecast demand, optimize margin and align product offerings with market trends. This position demands a blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills to build a robust planning framework that will drive our merchandising success and support our long-term goals.

Essential Functions:

• Budget Management: Develop and oversee merchandise budgeting processes for various product categories, ensuring financial targets and profitability goals are met.
• Sales and Demand Forecasting: Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and seasonal patterns to develop accurate sales forecasts and demand plans.
• Margin Management: Analyze historical data to understand margin drivers and make informed recommendations for future promotion strategies
• Inventory Planning: Create and manage inventory plans to ensure optimal stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and prevent stockouts.
• Assortment Planning: Collaborate with buying teams to execute product assortments that align with customer preferences and market trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with merchandising, purchase order & store allocation, marketing, sales, and store operations teams to synchronize product launches, promotions, and visual merchandising efforts.
• Trend and Market Analysis: Stay informed about fashion trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to make informed planning decisions and adapt strategies as needed.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and refine planning processes and systems to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare and present reports on planning performance, inventory status, and sales trends to senior management and other stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business, finance or related field)
• 5+ years in Merchandise Planning, Allocation or Merchandising in the retail industry
• 0-1 years of management experience (no people management experience required)
• Proven track record of driving sales and profitability through effective planning and forecasting
• Ability to create a vision, set priorities, and empower teams to deliver expected outcomes
• Understanding of analytical capabilities to develop strong demand planning forecasts

The Ideal Candidate Has/Is:

• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and planning software
• Outstanding organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and diligent task follow-through
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast - paced, dynamic environment
• Highly collaborative, responsive team player with a positive disposition

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time