An Assortment Associate supports the strategic development and execution of buying frameworks for a designated category, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align with strategic and financial objectives. This role contributes to various aspects of assortment planning, from pre-market analysis to in-market quantification and post-market adjustments, reporting directly to the Director of Assortment Planning.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Director to develop and execute the buying framework for the designated category
Work closely with cross-functional teams to align with strategic and financial objectives
Assist in conducting thorough analyses of pre-market, in-market, and post-market activities
Support crafting and implementing Private Brand line plans, considering historical performance and adoption rates
Contribute to style outs to ensure alignment with customer preferences and market trends
Assist in overseeing the allocation process, confirming store matrix, and applying Min/Max at the Style level
Foster a culture of excellence and collaboration within the Assortment Planning team
Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities
Support the development of by-store sales and turn plans aligned with annual financial targets
Assist in inspecting receipt flow plans, addressing variances with Financial Planning
Contribute to defining clustering strategies considering channel, tier/climate differences by category
Participate in building and maintaining category C-1 in coordination with the Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM)
Support the assessment of current season performance and determining future season replenishment assortment
Assist in establishing bottoms-up targets for key-item volume drivers, trends, and newness
Provide support in owning Private Brand line plans, adjusting based on historical category performance
Assist in evaluating breadth, depth, and productivity of the assortment
Collaborate in finalizing the 'shopping list' composition prior to market appointments
Collaborate in quantifying Buyer's curated assortment by brand, style, channel, and store cluster
Ensure alignment with cluster financial targets and assortment framework
Assist in identifying duplication across styles and vendors during the style out process
Support conducting style outs in NuOrder or within the market cycle based on system capabilities
Contribute to addressing key style out questions, including customer attributes and tier differences
Assist in finalizing necessary changes after style out and Buy Review; support sending orders for allocation
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Participate in discussions led by the Senior Director, Assortment Planning, reviewing each Assortment Wedge
Contribute to discussions on top goals, risk and upside assessment, clustering strategy, breadth and depth philosophy, and key door initiatives
Collaborate within the Assortment Planning team to support the quantification process
Be prepared to attend market appointments in the absence of the Assortment Director
Provide support in conducting style outs in NuOrder, addressing key questions related to customer attributes and tier differences
Assist in confirming the store matrix and applying Min/Max at the Style level during the allocation process
Contribute to confirming the store matrix as the first part of the allocation process
Assist in applying Min/Max at the Style level to ensure appropriate depth
Support in EDI allocations to vendors at least 30 days prior to In-DC dates
Collaborate in inspecting receipt availability before releasing orders
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Proficiency in analyzing sales data, turn plans, and financial targets to inform assortment planning decisions
Ability to collaborate within the Assortment Planning team and contribute to a culture of excellence and collaboration
Understanding of retail concepts, including assortment planning, private brand line plans, and allocation processes
Proficient in quantitative analysis, including building and maintaining category C-1, assessing current season performance, and determining future season replenishment assortment
Strong organizational skills to assist in the development of by-store sales and turn plans, inspection of receipt flow plans, and management of key processes in pre-market, in-market, and post-market phases
Familiarity with relevant tools and systems, such as NuOrder and EDI systems, to conduct style outs, confirm store matrix, and apply Min/Max at the Style level
Strong decision-making skills, particularly in finalizing necessary changes after style out and Buy Review and supporting in sending orders for allocation
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field
Ability to perform essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems
Ability to access and review written and electronic information
Ability to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
401(k) match
Paid time off
Eight paid holidays
Continuous learning and leadership development
Opportunity to join Colleague Resource Groups
Volunteer opportunities
Merchandise discounts
Performance-based incentives
Annual merit review
Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
Tuition reimbursement
Important Details
Schedule: flexible, based on department and company needs
About the Company
Macy’s has captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years, with innovations and traditions, inspiring stores and irresistible products. It offers unique opportunities to be part of memorable moments in people’s lives, from helping customers find the perfect gift to designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade.