This position leads merchandise planning and inventory management activities to drive sales, gross margin and inventory productivity.  The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for and oversees the sales forecasts for 2,000+ SKUs to drive inventory from vendor to DCs and DCs to stores.  This position collaborates closely with the Buying, Planning, Finance, Visual, Online, Store and DC teams to ensure that inventory supports sales for all channels of business.  This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

What We Stand For  

Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers and communities and influence every aspect of our business. 

• Forecast and analyze sales, inventory/receipts and gross margin by category
• Perform analysis by category, collections and vendors to provide insights on performance versus forecast
• Coordinate with Finance to support revenue, cost and gross margin planning and analysis, as well as inventory planning alignment on an ongoing basis
• Leads demand plan analysis, process improvements and end to end communication with stakeholders, including but not limited to Vendor, Finance, Merchandising and other Departments
• Oversees sales forecasting of up to 2,000 SKUs at the week level for all channels of business.
• Directly manages two Merchandise Planners.
• Manages inventory end-to-end for all Distribution Centers and Stores.
• Maintains close relationship with vendor to ensure appropriate, timely delivery of purchase orders to all DCs.
• Integral part of the Merchandising Team (Buyer, Planner, Assistant Buyer, and Visual Merchandiser) accountable for sales, turn, and all aspects of inventory management; leverages planning and analytical expertise to maximize sales and margin.
• Owns inventory management and open-to-buy process.
• Ensures team communication with stores to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Leads promotion planning, both pre and post promotion analysis and reporting.
• Develops pre-season plans for marketing campaigns, seasonal assortments, and new item introductions.

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
• Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
• Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.

But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.

• College degree required with quantitative background preferred
• Ability to project manage and own the end-to-end process on department projections to drive continuous improvements
• Ability to lead peers and key stakeholders towards projection alignment
• Strong communication skills, with ability to articulate challenges and propose solutions
• 8 years of merchandise planning and allocation experience preferred.
• Strong reporting, analytical, and mathematical skills.
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience with data reporting systems (MicroStrategy) a plus
• Knowledge of automated retail replenishment systems in both Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-Store
• Knowledge of merchandise/SKU/sales trends relationships
• Experience managing others including career development, directing and evaluating work
• Knowledge of industry business and passion for following trends in the industry
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, at all levels within and outside the organization
• Flexible, with a positive attitude and passion for knowledge
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once
• Possesses focused attention to detail while working quickly and accurately under pressure
• Ability to work within and exemplify The Container Store brand which we describe as matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused and life-changing

Company will not pay costs associated with immigration sponsorship.

The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.  
 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act 

Office Physical Requirements 

State Specific Notices 

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