Associate Planning Manager

Responsible for the financial forecasting, purchasing, and overall inventory management across a global supply chain for a subcategory or group of programs pertinent to the Planning Manager’s scope of business. Develops annual location sales and stock plans to then determine an annual receipt plan by program/brand which is re-forecasted throughout the year during the monthly Open-to-Buy process. The Associate Planning Manager leads a team of 1-4 Distributors in the effective management of the supply chain through forecasting sales demand, maintaining optimal DC and ship inventory levels, managing purchases, and allocating products to the ships. Works in collaboration with Merchant partner on delivering category sales, gross margin, inventory turnover/weeks of supply, and profitability targets through alignment on the overall strategic vision, validation of assortment plan productivity and coordination on team projects/priorities.

What you’ll be doing:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Priorities:

• Develop annual sales, stock and profit plans in collaboration with Merchandising, Cruise Line Retail and Finance
• Create monthly purchasing budget, in line with cash objectives, by program/brand for the year
• Measure/course correct for progress & performance
• Collaborate with Merchant on developing profitable assortment strategies:
  • Focus on the most productive programs for the specific cruise line/itinerary market and planning the appropriate mix of fashion vs core/replenish-able product based on product/vendor, expected volume, cadence of product cycle, inventory/WOS targets, gross margin objectives
  • Ensure strategies minimize markdown exposure/protects profit in fashion, itinerary-specific product and/or new initiatives/tests
• Identify strategic opportunities to drive top-line growth and/or to optimize profit

Financial Management:

• Monitor, maintain and forecast sales, receipts, margin during the monthly Open to Buy process
• Present business results and forecast during formal review with management
• Enlist support and alignment from Cruise Line Retail team on in-season sales forecasts & stock plan targets to capitalize on opportunities and minimize risk
• Partner with Merchant in assortment development by providing guidance on breadth of assortment by cluster, timing and cadence of deliveries, pricing and markup, and mix of core vs fashion
• Collaborate with Merchant on currency of inventory analysis, markdowns/clearance of aged stocks and financial validation and execution of merchandising initiatives
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to further expand/fund programs or initiatives performing well and propose solutions for those that are under-performing

Global Supply Chain Management:

• Review with Distribution team:
• operational sales and inventory targets, which drive replenishment and ordering, to ensure alignment with the top-line ship, itinerary, and program/brand targets
• analysis of sales trends to optimize inventory investments and drive sales
• transition plans into a new assortment and/or new itinerary
• exception-based reporting to identify projected low on-board stock levels, potential lost sales, low DC stock levels, overstocks, variance to fixture-fill, etc
• Manage purchasing budget days to appropriately fund the most profitable items and issue purchases with lead-times varying from 1 week to 6-months
• Ensure that top items are in-stock across all locations, including the DC; communicate anticipated stock challenges to Merchandising and Cruise Line Retail
• Support new ships and new initiatives with proper stock investment and communicate status/timing to appropriate stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and/or efficiencies:
• Work with vendor partners to improve/maximize fill-rates, timely shipping, and vendor compliance
• Collaborate with Logistics on inbound and outbound product flow for enhanced speed-to-market initiatives
• Identify and leverage cost efficiencies and support the company’s profit-driving supply chain initiatives

Talent Management:

• Hire, train, develop, motivate and retain a highly talented team
• Lead and manage a team of Distributors
• Complete annual performance evaluations, provide feedback to grow and develop teams
• Provide regular performance feedback to MP&D leadership team

Interpersonal/People Management:

• Develop strong relationship with Merchant partner through teamwork and communication
• Consistently act as a positive contributing force within Starboard in all interrelations and communication
• Develop regular and actionable communication with Cruise Line Retail leadership, Directors, District Manager, Ship Managers, Logistics and all sales support functions

What we’re looking for:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• 4 -6 Years of Experience
• Bachelor's Degree Required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point; strong Excel skills required as the position involves creating/maintaining many complex spreadsheets. Experience with Pivot Tables, Access preferredAbility to partner, build relationships, and gain consensus across the organization in order to drive improved fgorecastin
• Financial acumen including experience with cost inventory methods of accounting
• Ability to influence peers and business partners without authority and to execute under ambiguous circumstances
• Project management skills and an ability to effectively handle multiple priorities with simultaneous deadlines
• Strong organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Staff development, mentoring and coaching. Ability to manage multiple direct reports.

Decision Making: 

• Makes recommendations and decisions independently. Some managerial guidance provided. Relatively high level of individual problem solving ability required. May participate in some strategy development.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10% of time

Key Competencies:

• Customer Service
• Relationship Management
• Business Acumen
• Drive for Results
• Self-Development
• Courage
• Problem Solving
• Communicating Effectively
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Other:Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkSome flexibility in hours is permitted, employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and must work 30 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Physical Demands:Office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing, occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling use of office machinery. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Oral and auditory enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication automated devise such as the telephone.

What we commit to:

At Starboard Group and Onboard Media curating a vibrant world can only be accomplished by vibrant and diverse teams. We are committed to nurturing a workplace where you can feel safe to show up authentically and thrive while being uniquely you. Our North Star guides us to deliver equal employment opportunities for all individuals and to providing employees with an equitable work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We also aim to extend this commitment to the partners we work with and the guests we serve. We are constantly listening, learning, and evolving to deliver on these promises.

We believe our differences make us stronger and are curious to see you leverage your lived experiences to strengthen our team, our culture and your career. At Starboard Group and Onboard Media we take action so that no one is discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability (physical, mental or sensory), ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, genetic information, family care status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions will be made based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications.

So come onboard with us and celebrate a culture that attracts top talent with shared values and forms the foundation for a great place to work.