The Merchandise Planner position is responsible for creating and maintaining product SKU/Weekly sales forecasts for an estimated 1,000-1,500 SKUs.  The SKU level sales forecast drives end-to-end replenishment including Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-store. This position manages all aspects of inventory at the SKU & department level to support 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 and gross margin by SKU, including landed cost, vendor rebates, pricing, etc.
• Perform analysis of department categories, collections and vendors to provide insights on performance and forecast assumptions.
• Monitors and adjusts SKU level forecast to achieve department sales plan
• Reviews forecast exceptions on a regular basis
• Reviews and updates the SKU forecast to drive purchase order engine
• Responsible for approval of all purchase orders inbound to all DCs
• Manages inventory end-to-end for all Distribution Centers and Stores
• Owns inventory from launch of an item to final markdown
• Integral part of the Merchandising Team (Buyer, Planner, Assistant Buyer, and Visual Merchandiser) accountable for Sales, Turn, and all aspects of inventory management
• Balances inventory between multiple DCs to maximize sales
• Supports stores to maintain proper inventory levels
• Manages SKU level replenishment settings to ensure proper inventory levels in stores and DC
• Allocates merchandise to stores and analyzes inventory & sales
• Leverages planning and analytical expertise to maximize sales, inventory and gross margin
• Analyzes department, category and product SKU level performance on a weekly, monthly and season level
• Partners with the Buying Team to develop one-, three-, and five-year category plans
• Develops pre-season plans for marketing campaigns, seasonal assortments, and new items
• Analyzes sales and merchandise reporting, draws conclusions and suggests courses of action
• Supports Buying teams with ad-hoc analysis with various projects and tasks as needed
• Consistently arrives promptly to work the assigned schedule
• Responsible for maintaining discretion related to all confidential/sensitive company and customer information
• Performs other requested tasks and duties

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
• 3-5 years of merchandise planning and allocation experience preferred
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills required
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Excel, Alteryx, Python and SQL
• Additional PC skills - Experience with data reporting systems (MicroStrategy)
• Knowledge of automated retail replenishment systems in both Vendor-to-Distribution Center and Distribution Center-to-Store
• Knowledge of merchandise/SKU/sales trends relationships
• Ability to collaborate effectively across all areas of the business
• Works effectively in a team environment
• 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
• Ability to quickly separate the mission-critical tasks from the lower priority tasks; focuses on the most value-added projects of the day or week
• 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
• Is committed to working scheduled hours and has the flexibility to work additional hours based on changing business needs
• Possesses focused attention to detail while working quickly and accurately under pressure
• Makes strategic and effective decisions in the best interest of our customers and our company, taking care to objectively process information
• 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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