Merchandise Planning Manager

The Merchandise Planning Manager will develop a strategic top down plan- sales, margin and inventory and will partner with merchant team to identify key business concepts and opportunities.  This person will forecast sales, margin, markdowns and inventories on a weekly/monthly basis with Planners and Merchandising.  S/he will also be responsible for recommending strategies to maximize profitability.  This person will manage the reconciliation of division and department targets and bottom-up plans.  The Merchandise Planning Manager will develop and maintain effective working relationships with cross-functional partners- merchants, visual, sourcing and allocation.  This person will collaborate with peers to ensure consistency of information, share best practices and develop systems knowledge as well as manage and develop the planning team.

Job Requirements:


Must have a BA/BS degree or equivalent industry plus a minimum of 6 years experience coupled with previous management experience.  Must have experience in tops down and bottoms up financial planning processes and systems and a clear understanding of financial measures: sales, gross margin, weeks on hand, weeks of supply etc. and how to maximize them.  Must have experience with taking ownership to drive profitability of the division/departments and must have an understanding of how it impacts the total business.  The candidate must also have strong analytical, organizational and communication skills and must be able to clearly present and support business strategies.  This person must also be able to develop and motivate a team.  The successful candidate will have a strong track record and interest in team performance through constant sharing of best practices.  Must enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Principals Only. EOE. No phone calls please.  The Gymboree Corporation is unable to provide relocation assistance for this position.