Merchandise Planning Manager
MGA Entertainment is one of the largest privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, known for its commitment to creativity, quality, and innovation. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices globally, the company creates innovative, proprietary, and licensed consumer products and entertainment properties, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery, sporting goods, movies, and television series. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, GrossMos!™, Pixel Petz™, Micro Games of America, Fluffie Stuffiez™, BABY born®,and Zapf Creation®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgae.com or check us out at LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Mission: The Merchandise Planning Manager will play a critical role in ensuring optimal inventory levels and efficient merchandise allocation to maximize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.
Position Requirements
Education/Experience:
– 5-8 years in merchandise planning, inventory management, or related roles within the consumer goods industry, preferably in the toy sector.
– Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Skills/Knowledge/Ability:
– Knowledge in Target’s business systems and procedures – POL, VIQ/Greenfield, IMN is preferred.
– Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
– Proficiency in using merchandise planning software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Excel.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with both internal and external teams.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.
– Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy and precision in forecasting and inventory management.
– Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with a results-driven approach.
– Knowledge of retail operations, supply chain management, and market trends in the toy industry.
Authority:
– Reports to Director of Sales
Key Result Areas and Activities
1. Business Analysis
– Collaborate with Target partners to understand their inventory needs, sales trends, and promotional strategies.
– Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and seasonal patterns to forecast demand accurately.
– Manage inventory forecasts, taking into consideration factors such as product lifecycles, market trends, and promotional events.
– Provide regular reports and insights to internal and external stakeholders regarding sales performance, inventory levels, and merchandise strategies.
– Work with internal partners to solve inventory availability issues.
2. Merchandise/Promotional Strategy and Execution
– Develop and execute merchandise planning strategies that align with both MGA’s company's goals and Target's objectives.
– Monitor inventory levels and sales performance, making real-time adjustments as necessary to optimize sell-through and inventory turnover.
– Identify opportunities for process improvements in merchandise planning and inventory management, striving for operational excellence.
– Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product development, to share insights and align merchandise strategies.
3. Relationship Management
– Foster a strong working relationship with Target key contacts and communicate with them on a weekly basis.
– Work closely with internal partners to ensure timely and efficient product replenishment, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
– Support in any project assigned by Team Lead.
4. Other duties as assigned