Leading Florida-based retailer/consumer manufacturer is currently seeking a Director of Merchandise Planning to create and drive the strategy development/planning, and inventory management processes needed to achieve a superior merchandise planning environment. Reporting to the VP/GM, this position will be responsible for 50+ stores and requires frequent domestic travel.

Accountabilities will be to:

- Supervise the merchandise planning process, implementing seasonal plans, sales volume, inventory turnover, promotional and markdown strategies

- Develop, with Visual Merchandising, store plan-o-grams which reflect the merchandise strategy including breadth of assortment (slots) and dollar per square foot targets.

Develop, with the GMM, retail pricing which supports our financial objectives.

- Foster collaboration between Merchandising and Planning groups, resulting in improved sales productivity and velocity, reduced lead-times, and increased reorders.

- Keep abreast of industry best practices and monitor financial performance against corporate objectives; Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities

- Set and maintain appropriate performance metrics for the organization that will drive productivity and agility and lower costs across the organization

- Effectively communicate organizational performance against internal and external benchmarks to top management and staff; Ensure that the organization is optimizing technology/systems with regard to planning, and allocation.

- Build favorable external relationships and reputation in the retail industry.

- Participate in monthly forecasting/statement process, plan/budget revisions and budget planning.

- Ensure reporting improvements to readily identify risks and opportunities to sales and margin

- Make specific scope of work and design decisions. Recommend scope of work for Remodels, and non-prototypical store designs.

- Assist in developing and implementing planning processes, standards, and management tools (Model schedules, Change management, Project prioritization, CAD standards, Data Sheets, etc.)

- Establish and maintain communication with Marketing, Product Development, Store Planning/Interior Planning, Merchandising, Fixture Design, Construction, Site Development, Architectural and Engineering consultants.

This position requires 15+ years of prior experience in a senior level planning & allocation leadership role, with a demonstrated history of having worked successfully within retail companies that are recognized for their brand leadership and best practices. Expertise must reflect ability to build a department from scratch.

Must have Bachelors Degree in industry-related field or equivalent work experience, CAD skills (as a user), demonstrated effective staff management background and knowledge of Continuous Improvement tools. Knowledge of franchise operations is desired.

Our client is offering an attractive compensation commensurate with experience for this newly created position.  Assistance is ofference for a smooth relocation to the Tampa/St Pete area.