The Planning Manager role is responsible for driving planning decisions during all phases of product creation. Will lead the planning process to meet modular calendar timelines, ensure data integrity and continually improve forecast accuracy. Will create a strong partnership with the internal sales team ensuring that expected deliverables are achieved while collaborating on business recommendations that help to ensure Target benchmarks for success are being met. Will work with the cross-functional members to develop improved, integrated cross-functional processes.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver detailed sales, inventory, and receipt ladder plans to drive both external and internal annual budgets.
• Communicate with the buyer and customer planner regarding sales performance and forecast alignment.
• Proactively make recommendations and suggestions to maximize sales, inventory flow, and customer in-stock levels while partnering with cross functional teams on proposals and execution.
• Develop planograms and buy plans across multiple categories and brands, ensuring the rollups align with overall strategy of key stakeholders while adhering to all internal and external timelines.
• Work through monthly consensus process ensuring that key deliverables are met and that partnership with inventory and demand planning on plan reforecasting leads to a productive consensus meeting.
• Partner with inventory planning on shipping plan and order report reviews to align on an optimal inventory flow based on ship flows established and additional knowledge on state of the industry.
• Provide crucial analysis and insight for senior management into sales plans highlighting key opportunities and risks
• Lead the preparation for/and the discussion in the weekly team meetings.
• Develop compelling presentation materials with compelling sales data and metrics for buyer meetings.
• Lead and develop direct reports to ensure positive team growth and overall alignment of corporate goals.
• Bring strong work ethic and positive attitude to your responsibilities every day
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders in all departments, including sales, inventory planning, production, replenishment, and merchandising/design.

Qualifications:

• BA or BS
• 5-8 years of planning experience; Target experience a must
• Advanced Excel skills
• SAP and IBP experience a plus
• Ability to multitask, have a high sense of urgency and work in a fast-paced environment
• Team player a Must
• Must be a self-starter, independently motivated, and resourceful
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills