Associate Merchandise Planner

Description At Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you're part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand — you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do. We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you're starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead and help create feel good moments every day. The Associate Planner analyzes, tracks, and reports on data to assist in the identification and execution of merchandise plans for a category. Primarily focused on working with the Planning Manager or Merchandise Planner to develop pre-season and in-season plans while incorporating such items as current trends, promotional activity, and changes to assortment. Works with cross-functional partners such as merchandising, central planning, inventory planners, and other functions in MP&A. Reports to Manager of Merchandise Planning. Responsibilities • Cultivate the ability to work effectively under stressful and changing circumstances • Set high personal performance standards that deliver results, convey a sense of urgency and enthusiasm for the business, and help achieve objectives despite obstacles or opposition • Develop forecasts for new skus and strategize assortment from a financial perspective • Basic understanding of retail supply chain management inclusive of inventory planning • Review and analyze business performance trends • Maintain SKU level forecasts that are updated monthly or more frequently based on needs of the business, inclusive of units, sales dollars, and margin. Identifies trend changes and impacts to business • Collaborate with Inventory Planners and Inventory Deployment Analyst to ensure plan alignment with forecasting systems • Work with Central Planning in identifying targets for pre-season and in-season • Present business trends and forecast to management in monthly MPR (Monthly Planning Review) • Aid Merchandise Planner in developing long term forecasts to act as basis for seasonal architecture to meet business needs • Review and provide forecast hind sighting for season for cross-functional team • Actively pursue growth and development opportunities, continually finding ways to improve • Communicate openly and directly; accept responsibility and champion ideas despite challenges • Champion change, taking risks as needed and demonstrating flexibility • Encourage innovation, creativity and risk-taking through influence in teams • Foster teamwork by being a valued teammate and building good relationships across functional and division lines Qualifications Qualifications • Minimum 2 years of experience in: retail merchandise planning, demand planning, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, financial planning or financial analysis experience • Excellent understanding of merchandise as it relates to company strategy • Excellent communication, prioritizing and problem-solving skills • Keen ability to interact with peers and merchants • Expertise in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, complex formulas, and creating dynamic reports. • Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word and Access • System skills capabilities and proficiency in Data Warehouse and MSI tools preferred; other retail planning systems experience Education • Bachelor's degree in finance, operations, economics, business, statistics or equivalent experience Core Competencies Drives Results Action Oriented Collaborates Decision Making Nimble Learning Benefits Feeling good starts with you. We invest in benefits that support your well-being, growth and future, helping you thrive as a creator of feel good — every day. Benefits for eligible associates include: Robust medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage. Plus, access to our