Divisional Director of Planning

Job Overview:
Responsible for overseeing the management of merchandise content at the location level to achieve financial objectives and maximize profitability for a particular segment of the business. Facilitates and develops strategy to maximize locational business opportunities and minimize down-trending businesses.

Core Responsibilities:

	Supports company direction and develops strategies in support of the total company.
	Manage coach and develop managers of planning.
	Fosters an environment that promotes personal development of planners and their businesses, high morale amongst entire planning team, and personally sets the example for development of assistant and associate planners.
	Direct planning staff to produce sales and profit through development of by-store strategies.
	Support the execution of sales and profit goals in all stores through proper planning and execution of merchandise plans.
	Oversee the development of location plans which support the demographic needs and business opportunities of each market.
	Ensure remodel stores and new stores are planned and supported to maximize business.
	Ensure identified assortments are developed/maintained by store to meet demographics of surrounding market.
	Works with buying organization to develop by-store assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items and vendors.
	Understand competitors strengths, weaknesses and strategy.
	Facilitate and promote timely communication and cooperation between stores, merchandising functions, and resources.

Skills Summary:

	Minimum of 7-10 years of retail management/buying/planning experience in a retail environment.
	Strong leadership profile.
	Ability to develop and empower a team.
	Highly organized and ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
	Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
	Strong negotiation skills.
	Ability to work well with all levels of management, build partnerships and direct teams.