Product Planning Manager

Join Road Runner Sports as our next Product Planning Manager - Accessories. In this exciting role you will assist in developing and executing product assortments, product planning, and merchandising strategies across all business channels. You will be responsible for adding new products and maintaining current product data in merchandising systems (Aptos, Oracle) upon hand off from brands.  Create forecasts and monthly, weekly purchase orders to properly manage inventories for all categories/vendors assigned by style and SKU by season.

About us

• Road Runner Sports is proud to have been recognized as the 2023 Footwear Retailer of the Year by Footwear Magazine.
• Founded in a San Diego garage over 40 years ago.
• Road Runner Sports has 47 stores across the country, and we are growing!
• Our Values, Mission & Purpose (we call them Our 6 Pillars) are Be Different, Bring the WOW, Build something great together, Get Moving, Stay Active, and Live Healthy.

What you will get to do as a Product Planning Manager for Accessories:

• Formalize seasonal plans, vendor and store assortments, analysis of sales and the development of action plans. Effectively manage inventory for categories/vendors as assigned within budgeted guidelines while maintaining fulfillment and customer service standards. Maintain merchandise availability within the scope of customer demand through the product life cycle.
• Forecast and Planning: Maintain proper WOS levels for all products focusing on “A” products. Perform purchase order maintenance ensuring accuracy with pricing and arrival dates. Cancel and/or reschedule merchandise delivery consistent with projected customer demand. Work with the Distribution Centers to coordinate shipment and receiving information
• Assist in preparing and monitoring budget throughout the year. Suggest strategic and tactical adjustments to plans with Product Manager (PM) or Senior Product Manager (SPM).  Manage markdown process and exit strategies for assigned categories. Identify sales and margin opportunities/risks and implement necessary action plan to ensure achievement of financial plans.
• Close collaboration with marketing and Internet team to drive key item campaigns and new product launches. Assist in planning and managing Co-op marketing programs. Ensure programs are documented; agreements are in writing, signed by both parties. Partner with Finance to ensure timely receipt of payments/credits.
• Develop and maintain vendor partnerships. Develop key vendor business plans to drive sales and review them with PM/SPM prior to any account meetings. Participate and offer feedback in vendor line review presentations. Develop and execute merchandising plans to fit the needs across all channels. Assist in negotiation of pricing, terms, delivery of items, applicable Co-op marketing and other vendor participation events.  Provide sales analysis and presentations for business reviews.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years of experience, including some in retail.
• Familiarity with retail principles like gross margin, inventory turnover, ROI, markdown rate, and percentages along with other business metrics, communication, and adherence to deadlines are essential.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel and Access skills.
• Experience with like Oracle, Aptos, Discover, and DOMO preferred.
• Willing to travel for vendor meetings, retail locations, and new openings.
• Ability to read and interpret business and technical documents.
• Proficiency in writing reports and business correspondence.
• Effective presentation and response to questions.

Your rewards!

• Earn competitive pay
• Be the envy of your friends with discounts on ALL the latest gear and footwear
• Enjoy free running and walking events

After acceptance of a potential offer, the successful completion of a background check will be required prior to start date. The offer is contingent upon the information received in this report, and will be carried out in accordance with Local, State, and Federal laws.

We’re committed to protecting your privacy rights. We collect personal information from you, including personally identifying information, professional or employment-related information, and educational information. The purpose of this collection is to assist in evaluating your application for employment.

To ensure your application is received as timely as possible, we encourage you to apply directly onto our Road Runner Sports Career page.

As you apply directly on our site, we will be reaching out to you within the next 10 days should your experience and qualifications meet our requirements for this position.

Road Runner Sports is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Road Runner Sports is an e-verify organization and an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.