Vice President Merchandise Planning Greater Madison, WI Area

As the Vice President Merchandise Planning, you will lead the team responsible for developing and executing merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory management functions. This critical leadership position is responsible for developing and executing inventory plans that align with the company’s overall strategy and objectives. The primary goal of the position is to optimize sales, margin, and inventory turnover, ensuring we meet customer demand while maximizing profitability. You will also play an important role in evolving our planning capabilities including driving improvements in processes, systems, and operational methodologies.

Job Functions (Employees must be able to perform the job functions of this position satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.)

• Strategic Planning: Develop and oversee comprehensive merchandise inventory plans and strategies that support the company's goals, market trends, and customer demand. Ensure alignment with cross-functional partners, including Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations.
• Sales and Margin Optimization: Strategically balance inventory levels to optimize sales and profitability. Use data-driven insights to achieve a competitive margin and maximize sell-through rates.
• Forecasting and Demand Planning: Oversee forecasting and demand planning processes to ensure accurate, timely inventory allocation that matches customer demand and minimizes stockouts or overstock situations.
• Inventory Management: Implement efficient inventory management practices to support inventory turnover aligned with industry best practices while maintaining quality stock levels across all channels.
• Process Transformation: Lead the transformation of planning processes and capabilities. Identify and implement improvements in forecasting methodologies, systems, and planning tools to enhance the agility and accuracy of the planning function.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing Planning & Inventory team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration while focusing on developing team members' skills and capabilities.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments such as merchandising, sourcing, marketing, finance, and operations to ensure alignment and effective execution. Collaborate to support company-wide strategic initiatives and drive best practices.
• Technology and Tools: Leverage and implement appropriate planning tools, systems, and technology to enhance the merchandise planning process and improve efficiency
• Performance Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analysis to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, margin, and inventory. Provide regular updates and insights to senior leadership, along with recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Skills

• Proven expertise leading demand planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization efforts aligned with the company's financial objectives, market trends, and customer demand.
• Experience leading large-scale transformations in planning processes, tools, and systems.
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of data analysis and reporting to drive decisions.
• Experience leading an omni channel business including wholesale, Ecommerce and direct to consumer.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, capable of prioritizing teams and tasks while driving results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Experience leading large teams providing guidance, mentorship and career development.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and manager a team of 30+ employees.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Set performance expectations and goals for team members.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Identify and address performance issues through coaching and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Participate and recruitment and onboarding of new team members, as needed.
• Identify training needs within the team and coordinate relevant development programs, encourage continuous learning and skill development among team members.
• Serve as liaison between upper management and team, conveying organizational goals and expectations.
• Address conflicts or issues within the team promptly and effectively.
• Manage team resources, including workload distribution and project assignments.
• Ensure optimal utilization of team member’s skills and expertise.
• Collaborate with upper management to establish team goals aligned with organizational objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of department strategies.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related field, with a track record of success in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams. * Experience working within an SAP environment, including exposure to SAP implementations or transformations, is a plus.