Director, Wholesale Planning

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Company Description

A&F Co. is seeking a skilled Director of Planning to develop and execute product strategies for expansion into multiple retail channels. As the Director of Planning (across both Hollister and A&F brands), you will play a pivotal role in activating the Strategy for seasonal merchandise plans and forecasts for all product categories in the EMEA region. This person will lead a planning team to balance risk and reward as we expand into new business models and evolve our ways of working. You will partner closely with the merchandising teams, commercial teams, as well as with finance.

This job is located at our EMEA Regional Home Office in London, UK.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Develop and implement a merchandise planning strategy that supports the company's expansion into multiple retail channels and global locations.
• Maximize financial success by meeting sales and gross margin (dollars and rate).
• Develop seasonal merchandise plans, SKU targets, and forecasts for all product categories.
• Analyze historical sales trends, global market trends, and customer data to inform strategic planning decisions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between merchandise plans and supply chain capabilities, financial plans, and merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with Buying Director to create the overall seasonal assortment.
• Have a solid awareness of global fashion trends and accurately chase and purchase into them.
• Build and manage teams that manage inventory levels across all channels and locations to ensure optimal inventory turns and profitability.
• With your teams, stay on top of global assortment shifts and changes, ensuring that they are captured and communicated to sales teams/accounts in a timely manner.
• Identify opportunities to optimize product pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales and margin.
• Report on key performance metrics, making recommendations for adjustments to the merchandise strategy as needed.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in merchandise planning.
• Develop and retain team by frequently communicating with team members about career path, growth opportunities, and giving constructive feedback.
• Travel across the region to have a pulse on the market and connection with our partners.

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in merchandise planning or related field, with a desire to execute strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerBI experience, and retail math and financial analysis.
• Excellent statistical/quantitative analysis skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and customer types/levels.
• Curiosity and interest to learn about customer profiles that differ across global markets and cultures.
• Strong financial storytelling ability, and desire to speak to larger audiences is needed.
• Excellent communication, prioritizing, and problem-solving skills are a must.
• Ability to work in an environment with a high level of change as the business grows.
• High level of flexibility, curiosity, and willingness to learn is required.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships across cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in an iconic, branded environment for an international organization.

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of five iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist. At A&F Co., we're here for our associates, customers, and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are - and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.

Our Values

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune's Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. We're proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities, and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you'll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company's culture and values, but most importantly - with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

• Incentive Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off and Work From Anywhere Flexibility
• Paid Volunteer Day per Year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Merchandise Discount
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Associate Assistance Program
• Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• Access to Carrot to support your unique parenthood journey
• Access to Headspace dedicated to creating healthier, happier lives from the inside out
• Opportunities for Career Advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• A Global Team of People Who'll Celebrate you for Being YOU

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER