Category Planning Manager

Job Description:

Title: Category Planning Manager

Location: Newark, NJ

Workstyle: Hybrid (2-3 days in office)

This pivotal Category Manager role leads the execution of our product category oversight across our Global One M&M’s Ecosystem.  This individual will determine how to most effectively forecast topline NSV$, margin and inventory, in alignment with delivering upon our financial objectives.  This individual provides a business-critical role for One M&Ms and will be a significant contributor in the company’s success

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Serve as the business expert for respective product category of ownership (ie Hardlines, Apparel, Chocolate).
• Lead the seasonal buy process and pre-season planning for respective product categories, ensuring the buys are supporting the financial budget.
• Manage monthly OTB process for respective category(ies); responsible for re-forecasting sales, margin & inventory, and reporting out business insights/trends to the broader Planning/Merchant teams, in addition to the DMR community on a periodic basis.
• Provide coaching and oversight to Planning Analyst(s) to align on order and shipment forecasts to reconcile to OTB.  Review/Release all Purchase Orders that exceed planner thresholds set by business.
• Partner with PD and Merch in leading Charter projection process for owned categories. Additionally provide guidance to Planning Analyst(s) in relation to new item introductions and associated SKU level projections/initial purchase volumes in support of the charter work.  
• Analyze product performance and recommend next actions surrounding replenishment, markdowns, and length of product life.

• Communicate regional and store level sales performance, business/inventory insights and action plans in weekly S&OE meeting inputs. Ensure alignment with Planning & Allocation Analyst prior to relaying appropriate risks/opportunities/actions for respective categories of oversight.
• Create and distribute Daily/weekly/monthly reporting as required (ie OTB output, WBR Output, new store performance etc.).
• Manage associated promotions, markdowns, clearance as necessary for items within respective product realm and fold in necessary cross-functional counterparts in order to execute (ie Store Ops, Merch, VM)
• Provide data mining and ad-hoc analysis as needed for business reviews, presentations, meetings with senior leadership etc.
• Independently develop new reporting methodologies to analyze the business
• Partner with Analysts & Vendor Liaison surrounding PO placement/replenishment strategies/delivery timing/vendor communication etc.
• Seek out cost/MOQ/case pack negotiation opportunities in partnership with Merch/PD

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Mathematics, Supply Chain or related field
• ERP/SAP is preferred.
• Experience in Omni-Channel Retail Planning, logistics, finance or operations preferred.
• Five years in Merchandise Financial Planning
• 5+ years in Retail Replenishment and Allocation, Planning or other relevant function.
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel
• Experience with SAP, Warehouse Management Systems, Demand Planning AI Software (ie Relex) an Asset
• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy
• Must be able to work independently with little to no supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all aspects of the business
• Knowledge of overall supply chain/logistics best practices; includes international and domestic logistic movement experience considered an asset

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.