About this opportunity...

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for responsible for planning, trending revisions, and OTB control from the classification level to the division level.  Associate Planner will develop pre-season class plans to support business initiatives.  Associate Planner partners with the Buying, Location Planning teams and Planning Management to identify business opportunities/risks to sales/margin and make recommendations to capitalize on growth opportunities and mitigate risks.

The base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $88,000. The base salary range is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards vary by position and location.

What you will do and what you will learn…

• Responsible for developing seasonal business plans through partnership with buying group and analysis of historical data to forecast trends
   
• Build and manage In-Season and Pre-Season chain plans at the class level. Develop In-Season forecasting of chain plans
   
• Monitor monthly performance to sales, inventory and margin targets and recommend strategic changes based on analysis
   
• Analyze business performance and weekly open to buy (OTB) to identify opportunities and risks to drive performance 
   
• Identify Early Warning Callouts and recommend courses of action to drive profitable sales and margin.
   
• Perform independent analysis as needed to identify opportunities
   
• Collaborate closely and build trust among cross-functional partners to drive desired results
   
• Present and call out risks/opportunities to Management and Senior Merchants

What you need to be successful...

• Strong communication skills: You can “read the situation” you actively listen, ask clarifying questions, confidently share your point of view, and demonstrate the ability to build relationships. 
   
• Flexibility: You can pivot and are adaptable, and receptive to feedback.
   
• Results Driven: You are tenacious, and achievement focused.  You can prioritize your work and deliver it with accuracy.
   
• Intellectually curious: You can analyze and draw conclusions, are a critical thinker, and see the big picture.
   
• Resilient: You are persistent and persuasive. You stay focused on your goals and finding creative solutions to problems.
   
• Highly proficient in Excel and knowledge of planning systems, Arthur Planning is strongly desirable.
   
• Analytical Mindset: Driving a business depends on strong analytical, conceptual, and retail math skills.
   
• Bachelor’s Degree required and a minimum of two years retail merchandise planning experience and a minimum of one year experience managing OTB is preferred

Perks and Benefits of joining our team...

Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits that reflect how much we value their contributions. Here's a peek into what you can expect as an eligible Ross Associate: 

• A broad range of affordable health insurance options & personal medical plan concierge
   
• 401(k) with employer match and Life insurance
   
• Ample PTO including accrued vacation, paid holidays, diversity day, summer Fridays and the ability to purchase additional vacation. 
   
• Employee stock purchase plan
   
• Access to health and wellness benefits such as BetterHelp and Headspace
   
• Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation
   
• And more....

*benefits vary by level and position and are subject to change

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