Vice President - Women's Merchandise Planning

Job Description

TITLE:

Vice President - Women's Merchandise Planning - AE Brand

REPORTS TO:

Senior Vice President - AE Brand Merchandise Planning

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Vice President of Women's Merchandise Planning serves as a member of the AE Brand leadership team, guiding the business to achieve the sales and profit objectives aligned to the Company and Brand Strategy.

This leader will work closely with the VP - AE Women's Merchandising to ensure merchandise assortments across all US and Canada distribution channels support the financial delivery of the AE Brands strategic plan, while balancing sales growth and merchandise margin delivery for the Women's Divisions.

This role will be responsible for planning all components (retail, units, margin, markdowns, inventory management, etc.) for the AE Women's Division across all divisions/departments for North American US and Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead all planning processes to be used in the development of merchandise strategies for the season and to support assortment development and buying needs. Processes include: hindsights, development of pre-season financial targets, sign off and lockdown of Original Plan, and in-season management of financial sales, merchandise margin, and inventory investments, consistent with the company's top-down goals.
Identify opportunities in current and on-going operational model, processes and reporting tools to grow revenues, deliver profitability, meet current and future business needs, and keep AE on the forefront of planning best practices with technology needed to support the business.
Partners with VP AE Women's Merchandising in the development of a 3-5 year long- range strategic business plan that supports AE Brand LRP Objectives.
Evolve assortment rationalization and optimization across US and Canada, for all channels of distribution that support geography and segment specific needs and growth.
Lead quarterly merchandise plan review and approval overseeing all analytical activities to include development, interpretation, and hindsight of key operational metrics to drive improved business results to increase productivity and efficiencies.
Oversee all merchandise plans, inventory positions and markdown strategies to drive business results, inventory, profit and inventory turn objectives
Develop, manage and lead MPC (in season forecast) process for Women's divisions that delivers the financial merchandise plan that tracks on or above OP expectations.
Work closely with the AE Women's Planning and Merchandising teams to review in-season product trends and performance, and provide actionable insights based on data analytics to maximize opportunities and mitigate risks.
Work with merchandising and marketing to develop promotional strategies, analyze promotional effectiveness and make future recommendations.
Builds a high performing Women's Planning team through strong leadership, development, coaching, and accountability that fully supports the growth and long- term vision of the AE Brand.
Ensure planning team structure and talent aligns and supports strong cross- functional partnership and provides depth and bench strength to the planning organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field
Advanced degree (MBA, Master's) strongly preferred
10+ years of senior management experience preferably in the retail industry, specifically MP&A, FP&A, or strategy. With demonstrated success in leading large scale strategic projects with proven results.
Travel is required
High degree of proficiency Google Suite of tools
Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management & planning skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:
Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

About Us

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a portfolio of unique, loved and enduring brands with merchandise assortments that consist of high-quality, on-trend apparel, intimates, activewear, accessories, and personal care products.

AEO operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries.

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
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