Director, Digital Planning

Location: New York, NY, US

Job Opened: June 7th, 2024

Job Number: R-107527

Remote: No

Job Type: regular

Saks OFF 5TH is the premier luxury off-price destination. In its more than 100 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online, at SaksOFF5TH.com, the company provides the best names in fashion at an incredible value through its merchandise authority, unparalleled brand access and seamless connection between ecommerce and stores. 

What This Position Is All About:

The Director of Digital Planning is responsible for overseeing the Corporate and Digital Planning functions. With a focus on meeting or exceeding sales and profit objectives, the Director will work closely with leaders across buying and planning.  Core responsibilities will include leading the Corporate Planning team to establish the financial forecast and set the appropriate in-season targets and pre-season plans. Additional responsibility includes assisting in the open-to-buy process.  The director will also lead the Digital Planning team in developing strategies to execute financial plans, inventory management, and allocations.  This role requires strong partnerships with our Corporate Finance, Strategy, Digital, Tech, and Saks OFF 5TH Store teams.

Who You Are:

  • Able to lead and develop teams

  • A natural problem-solver, who is also analytical and creative

  • You understand the value of being proactive and solution-oriented

  • You have a can-do attitude

You Also Have:

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • 6+ years in buying, planning or allocation capacity, Off-Price retail experience a plus

  • Strong business and financial analysis skills

  • Strong cost math acumen, including elements of markup, margin planning, open-to-buy, and inventory productivity measures (WOS, Turn, GMROI)

  • Strong communication and presentation skills; extensive exposure to senior management 

  • Excellent computer skills including MS Word and Excel

  • Demonstrated managerial and leadership skills

As Director, Digital Planning, You Will:

Financial Planning

  • Lead the development of sales, gross margin, and inventory targets across brick-and-mortar and digital. 

  •  Identify opportunities for system and process enhancements throughout the merchandising function, specifically related to the open-to-buy process.  

  • Maintain an overview of the company's planning calendar and ensure adherance

  • Partner closely with Finance leaders to review forecasts and analytics

  • Partner closely with Marketing leadership to measure the effectiveness of promotions.  Use this data to create a promotion calendar, in partnership with marketing leadership, that aligns with sales and margin expectations.

Open-to-Buy Monitoring

  • Identifies and communicates divisional OTB monthly trends and direction to Planning teams. Reviews and participates in the monthly OTB (forecast sales and inventories) Reviews inventory productivity (WOS, Turn), and recommends adjustments to business trends. 

  • Reviews actual to planned receipt performance. Reviews performance via the monthly stock ledger. Participates in the development of and reviews the age of inventory/ exit strategies. 

  • Reviews markdown projections and vendor allowance projections. 

  • Review all pertinent factors (MU, MD's, VA, etc.) relating to profitability. Manages the process including meeting plans, reporting and analysis, and reviews process with SVP of Planning and GMM's.

Business Strategy

  • Key liaison between Planning and the Strategy team. Provides insight into data and reporting. Forecasts and tracks the success of newly implemented projects/initiatives, opportunity areas, and potential liabilities. 

  • Support Planning Projects by developing action-focused solutions based on analysis. Presents findings and proposed actions to cross-functional team members and business leaders.

Your Life and Career at Saks OFF 5TH:

  • Be part of an empowered, innovative team; work with an adventurous spirit and a customer-centric mindset; play a critical role in making decisions that will position us to win
  • Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across different functions within our corporate offices, retail stores, photo studios, and distribution centers
  • A culture that promotes a flexible work environment 
  • Benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, dental and vision)
  • An amazing employee discount and other exciting perks

Thank you for your interest with Saks OFF 5TH. We look forward to reviewing your application.

We believe that our differences not only make us stronger, but also guide our evolution and future growth. All associates are expected to create an inclusive environment free from harassment, discrimination, and bullying.Together, we celebrate, advocate for, and learn from our colleagues, customers and communities to create the best environment to shop and work for all.