Store Planner Location:Needham, MA Job Advert DescriptionThe Store Planner is responsible for producing an accurate demand forecast for all Clarks owned points of purchase for a given gender across retail, digital and (where applicable) outlet, using JDA Fulfilment to manage the allocation and replenishment of stock from the Distribution Centre to ensure the right product is delivered to the right place at the right time and stock levels are optimised. Additionally, this role is responsible for reviewing and updating forecasts in response to sales, lost sales, promotions and commercial plans to provide an accurate make signal to Supply Chain; managing stock through the end to end Supply Chain process based on the consensus forecast; and ensuring plans can be delivered within the constraints of the regional supply chain including Distribution Centre capacity, store delivery schedules and lead times. What You'll Be Doing:
Produce and maintain long term (pre-season) and short term (in-season) forecasts to enable Merchandising and Supply Chain to get the right product the right place at the right time. Set the time and size profiles at line, category and gender level for feed-in to the seasonal forecasting process (make and sales).
Feed-in to seasonal assortment plan the recommended initial allocation v replen profile.
Work collaboratively with Merchandise to deliver forecasts that meet commercial requirements, including like-for-like matches for new products, planned promotions, store openings/closures, and unplanned events. Set the seasonal assortment and allocation plan in demand & fulfilment aligned to the merchandising assortment plan and trading plan – challenge any discrepancies to merchandising and align to ensure accuracy.
Optimise the store level profiles and overall size/time phase profile in response to trading pattern. Regularly check and monitor sales, react accordingly to ensure new product forecasts align with Merchandisers plans. Manage start of season launch of new product into stores in conjunction with Supply Chain and Merchandising planning team to ensure accurate on time delivery.
Maintain forecast accuracy and continuously review to improve accuracy and maintain correct stock levels. Review forecast accuracy exception reports by channel to determine root causes, fix and tune largest error/volume lines and react to large changes.
Ensure stock allocation happens in line with plan (Outlet includes manual allocation of DSL).
Optimise in-season profiles to optimise availability and respond to changes in the trading plan. Optimise stock distribution in-season - execute settings and parameters in JDA Fulfilment system to optimise stock distribution in line with the strategy and the forecast in JDA Demand. Manage through any changes to Demand & Fulfilment profiles as a result of assortment plan changes or recall activity. Respond to ad hoc requests to adjust profiles on a weekly basis – evaluating impact to inventory position, cover and executing where required.
Liaise with Supply Chain on weekly basis to support accurate planning of distribution centres, stores and logistics. Escalate issues with product set up such as incorrect assortment with the relevant business teams for resolution. Manage end of life markdowns and effective distribution of stock to stores to enable the agreed exit strategy through dynamic allocation.
What You'll Bring With You:
Highly developed numerical, analytical and interpretive skills.
Ability to use analytics tools, e.g. databases, BI, Excel to perform analysis.
Strong interpersonal/ communication skills with ability to initiate and build strong relationships with key teams across functions.
High attention to detail with ability to spot issues and exceptions when reviewing data.
Knowledge of the merchandise planning process.
Knowledge of demand forecasting methods and inventory concepts preferred.
Good commercial skills and judgement.
Experience and/or good understanding of retail.
Proactive and resilient with ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
Experience of working proactively.
Ability to influence and collaborate with other teams.
About ClarksClarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive of more than 22,000 pairs are shoes that have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognizable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.This season, we’re proud to introduce the Clarks Collective: five incredible activists championing authentic social change. From mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights to greater racial equality, these trailblazers are committed to creating a brighter future for us all – bringing to life Clarks’ new global campaign, For the World Ahead. Through spotlighting their stories and supporting their chosen charities and initiatives, we’re ready to lead the way. After all, we’re originators, not imitators. It’s who we are, who we’ve always been. And to change the world of tomorrow, we’re doing things differently today.As a global employer, Clarks is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. We strive to create a productive environment which everyone has an equal chance to succeed at all levels through the organization. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, age ,disability, marital status, color, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment’, complying with local legislative requirements.