Senior Manager - Merchandise Planning

Vancouver BC Canada - Onsite

Must have Size Planning, Optimization and Implementation experience

We are seeking a highly experienced Merchandise Planning expert with 12 to 15 years of proven expertise in the retail industry. The ideal candidate will have a global perspective, having worked with multiple retailers across various markets. This role requires strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to manage both onsite and offshore teams seamlessly. The candidate will also possess significant expertise in product development and a consulting background.

Key Responsibilities:

Merchandise Planning:

• Experience in developing merchandise planning solutions (preferably for size planning), with a deep understanding of identifying business problems and translating them into effective products and features that align with business objectives and financial goals.
• Deep understanding of all the core areas of planning, pre-season and in-season planning and Assortment Planning is a must and the candidate should have a proven experience building models to be able to support them..
• Preferred experience working with platforms like Anaplan, Oracle Retail, and Blue Yonder.

Client Discovery and Collaboration: Collaborate closely with business and IT teams to support discovery processes and co-develop a comprehensive product blueprint.

Global Retail Experience:

Leverage extensive experience working with global retailers to provide insights on feature & product landscape. Develop tailored strategies for different regions and markets.

Onsite-Offshore Communication:

Serve as a liaison between onsite and offshore teams, facilitating clear communication, goal alignment, and seamless project execution across different time zones and locations.

Stakeholder Management:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including senior leadership, finance, merchandising to align on product strategies. Possess strong stakeholder management skills to drive key initiatives and ensure smooth execution.

Product Development Expertise:

Lead and oversee the development of merchandise planning products (preferably size planning), ensuring alignment with business objectives and financial goals

Consulting Experience:

Provide expert advice and consulting services to internal and external stakeholders. This may include business process improvements, product roadmaps, and financial planning strategies that align with overall business goals.

Qualifications:

- 12-15 years of experience in Retail with a strong focus on merchandise planning.

- Experience working with global retailers across multiple regions.

- Expertise in managing onsite-offshore team dynamics and communication.

- Proven ability to manage high-level stakeholders and collaborate across functions.

- Deep knowledge of retail products and market trends.

- Strong product development and consulting experience in planning domain.

- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

MBA or relevant advanced degree in Business, or a related field.

Proficiency in advanced modelling and forecasting tools like Anaplan and Oracle Retail.

Previous consulting experience within the retail sector, preferably in product development or