Associate Merchandise Planner

The Associate, Merchandise Planning is a hybrid role bridging Merchandise Planning and Category Management, supporting the achievement of financial and strategic objectives.  Key responsibilities include financial interpretation, planning, forecasting and operational support to optimize business outcomes.

Merchandise Planning Responsibilities:  Financial Planning and Forecasting  Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning:  Interpret and align financial targets by channel and dept. Botto-ms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans:  Develop detailed financial plans that support and align with category strategies. Rolling Forecasts:  Maintain and update rolling forecasts at the department level in collaboration with Planners and Category Managers.  Category and Operational Support  Product Flow and Risk Mitigation:  Review and analyze inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.  

Reporting and Analysis  Weekly and monthly performance metrics. Special events and seasonal peak analysis. Vendor performance and inventory updates.
Data Reporting and Insights:  Prepare and share actionable insights through regular and ad hoc reports, including:
Ad Hoc Analysis:  Provide data-driven support for strategic and tactical decision-making as needed.  Communication and Collaboration  Communication Triage:  Act as a point of contact to review, prioritize, and resolve internal communication requests through platforms such as email and internal tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with Planners, Category Managers, and other stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategies.  Special Events and Seasonal Peaks  Support planning, preparation, and reporting for major events and seasonal peaks, ensuring alignment with broader financial and business goals.
Category Management Responsibilities:  Price and Promotion Management  Prepare and update price change sheets for the following:  Vendor cost updates Temporary minimum advertised price (MAP) reductions Promotional price changes Price list reviews   Submit updates for approval to Category Managers and make revisions as needed   Category and Operational Support Complete and submit forms for the following:
Item maintenance:
Support new item builds, updates, and audits for accurate item management and presentation. Price and Promotion Management:
Assist with preparation, management, and approval of pricing sheets, promotional activities, and vendor updates. Print special product order builds Conduct Web Asset audits and collaborate with Category Managers to resolve issues and identify improvements. Field Communication and Issue Triage  Serve as the first point of contact for internal customer queries via tools like Merch email, Supportal, and B&O email groups.

Review, prioritize, and take appropriate actions to address requests.
Reporting and Insights  Compile and share insights through regular reports, including but not limited to:
Negative Margin reports. Weekly Business Review support reports. Vendor Performance monthly reports. Vendor Discontinued Inventory.  Master Assortment Management  Assist Category Managers and Planners with the management and updates of the Master Assortment documents, essential for replenishment and assortment planning.
About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.
To join our band, you'll need the following experience:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline. 3-5 years direct experience in retail, store operations, merchandising or allocation. Attention to Detail:  Maintain accuracy in reporting, planning, and operational execution. Analytical and Financial Acumen:  Ability to interpret and analyze data to drive business decisions. Organizational and Time…