Sr. Associate, Central Planner (Hybrid)

The Sr. Associate Central Planner contributes to Claires success by building and executing reporting and analysis needed to support the target setting channel management and merchandise analytics for the company. This role will perform analysis that supports sales margin and inventory goal setting from a tops down standpoint.

This critical leadership position is responsible for carrying out central planning capabilities processes and standards in support of Claires Merchandising initiatives. The scope of the position also includes building and running reporting to create easier access to data for the Planning and Merchandising teams allowing for workstream efficiencies and deeper business analysis. The Senior Analyst will also assist in crafting decks to support pre-season and in-season Planning-led meetings and will present financials to Planning and Merchandising leadership. The Senior Analyst will work collaboratively with the Planning team the Merchandising team and cross functional stakeholders to execute the Merchandising strategies that drive sales and value growth while meeting or exceeding financial goals.

Centralize and optimize reporting for Merchandise Planning that will feed key meetings such as Commercial/Trade MPR Line Finalization etc.
Provide reporting and analytics that support annual/monthly top-side planning for Merchant Leadership setting sales margin and inventory targets across the company division and channels.
Present company financials in Monthly Plan Review with Merchandise and Planning leadership
Provide Planning support for Board meetings
Provide Planning support for Field Leadership meetings
Handle ad hoc analysis requests as needed
Review weekly buys to ensure OTB compliance
Provide analysis that will support promotions and pricing recommendations
Support building out inventory management capabilities (target setting turn goals productivity goals etc.)
Manage coordination of markdown process with Planning Merchant and cross functional partners
Support strategy alignment and coordination of company testing initiatives across Planning and Merchant teams

EDUCATION:
Bachelors degree in a related field

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA & SKILLS:
Minimum 3-5 year of merchandising retail buying planning experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic collaborative environment
Analytical with ability to synthesize data and draw conclusions and recommendations
Understanding of retail math skills and merchandise planning
Strong organizational planning and written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team
Strong curiosity around how to improve processes and create efficiencies
Sense of urgency with demonstrated success in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
Flexibility and the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables
Self-motivated with critical attention to detail deadlines and reporting
Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)
COMPETENCIES
DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.
LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.
ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.
CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working has continuous improvement mindset and inspires others.

Claires is committed to adhering to all applicable company policies and federal state and local laws and regulations. All positions will be compensated at or above the legally mandated minimum wage for the location in which work is performed. The final compensation will be determined by various factors such as relevant work experience education certifications skills and geographic location.

Benefits for full-time employees included medical dental and vision insurance voluntary welfare plans bonus plan eligibility 401(k) match vacation time sick time* and paid leave.

Benefits for part-time employees included voluntary welfare plans 401(k) match vacation time sick time* and paid leave in required states.

*Sick Time: For the State of Washington all employees will accrue paid sick time at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

Claires is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants needs upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.

Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. To request accommodation please email Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.

Required Experience:

Senior IC