Sr. Director, Merchandise Planning

The Sr. Director, Merchandise Planning develops and mentors Planning Associates to support the business strategy and financial metrics for an area within DSW. This includes the day-to-day functions of the merchandise planning teams and for assigned merchandise categories. Responsible for the development of Merchandise financial plans and revisions to maximize profitability and inventory productivity. This position involves travel to the stores and shoe shows/vendors. Significant partner with the Buying team.

Reports To: VP, Merchandise Planning

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Merchandise Planning team in the development, analysis and revision of sales, inventory, markdowns and profit
• Build strong partnerships with cross-functional teams (Buying, Store Planning, Allocation, Marketing, and Finance) around Strategy Development and Business Management
• Propose and deliver business recaps and financial strategies. Lead MPR (Merchandise Plan Review) for assigned merchandise categories
• Ensure that the financial strategy pursued is consistent with the budget and profit parameters.
• Maintain risk assessment models that are used to determine buy levels and maintain profitability to budgets
• Hire, coach and develop a quality team including succession planning and regular performance reviews to address personal growth and development needed to foster a productive, focused team
• Provide the leadership and the necessary formal and informal training, including one-on-one development, needed to produce a team that contributes consistent financial growth to the business
• Work with other areas of the business as needed, to ensure proper support and coordination of Merchandise issues including allocation, merchandising and finance
• Recommend action and communicate issues that relate to the Merchandising and may hinder DSW’s ability to achieve our financial objectives
• Develop and present information to executive teams
• Cross-functional and store travel as needed

Required Skills:

• Ability to develop and lead a team
• Proven problem solver
• Excellent communication and relationship building competencies
• Demonstrates the DSW Values
• Strong system knowledge
• Financial acumen

Competencies:

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP – Deliberately communicates overall business strategy and connects it to the work of the functional team. Anticipates future trends and implications accurately. Leverages market knowledge to anticipate, capitalize on and drive change. Articulate credible pictures and visions of possibilities that will create sustainable value. Creates competitive and breakthrough strategies that show a clear connection between vision and action. Is willing to champion an idea or position despite dissent or political risk. Tackles tough issues, sharing sensitive messages or unpopular points of view effectively. Influences inside and outside of functional area for positive impact on business performance. Owns the development of successors and individuals who have potential for further development.

LEADING & MOTIVATING – Serves as a champion and driver of DSW Values and culture. Attracts and selects the best talent to meet current and future business needs. Motivates and inspires others through rewards, authentic connections, and meaningful recognition. Fosters diversity and an inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued and leveraged. Seeks new ways to evolve and challenge self. Develops team through delegation, challenges outside of the comfort zone and effective coaching and feedback. Shares ideas in a compelling manner that gains commitment. Champions change for positive impact on business results.

MANAGING FOR RESULTS – Establishes models and enforces accountability. Gets the most out of available resources and secures rare resources others cannot get. Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders. Persists in accomplishing objectives. Pushes the team to elevate goals as results are achieved. Transforms functional area to achieve maximum results. Seizes opportunities and connects business insights to increase profit and revenue.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• 10+ years of planning experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required