Retail Strategy & Planning Manager

Aquent Talent is partnering with a global leader in the consumer goods sector, renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. This company is at the forefront of delivering high-quality products that enhance everyday life, driven by a mission to inspire and empower consumers worldwide. We are seeking a dynamic individual to join their team and make a significant impact on their strategic growth within key retail channels.

This pivotal role offers the chance to shape the future of product availability and consumer engagement for a portfolio of leading brands. You will be instrumental in optimizing product flow, driving profitable sales, and crafting compelling online experiences that resonate directly with customers. Your strategic insights and proactive management will directly influence market success and contribute to the overall expansion of our client's digital footprint.

**What You'll Do:**

* Lead and nurture strategic partnerships with key retail accounts, overseeing financial trends, forecasting, and contract execution.

* Generate and distribute comprehensive sales and cross-functional performance reports.

* Proactively predict current and future retail and shipment demands, aligning promotional strategies, replenishment flows, and optimizing stock levels to drive profitable sales.

* Enhance online consumer engagement by managing sampling initiatives, supporting new product introductions, updating product information, and executing quarterly brand activation campaigns.

* Determine optimal stock levels required to achieve retailer plans and maximize growth opportunities.

* Monitor and resolve potential low stock or out-of-stock situations to maintain continuous product availability.

* Forecast and manage the flow of basic replenishment, vetting orders to prevent processing delays.

* Plan and analyze promotional levels and sell-through performance.

* Develop and present shipment forecasts to management, highlighting week-over-week changes, opportunities, and potential risks.

* Create quarterly account budget and trend plans, including detailed channel strategies.

* Collaborate effectively with internal teams to ensure seamless plan execution and support.

* Work closely with internal logistics and order processing teams to ensure timely order fulfillment.

* Align with internal planning teams on item-level forecasting to ensure accuracy.

* Coordinate with sales support for necessary promotional, launch, and constrained item allocations.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3+ years of experience in wholesale sell-in or retail planning.

* Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of the consumer goods market, industry trends, and competitive landscape.

* A self-motivated, results-oriented individual with strong analytical and creative thinking abilities.

* Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

* Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external partners.

* Strong computer proficiency and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Experience in strategic planning within a fast-paced retail or consumer goods environment.

* A keen understanding of consumer behavior and online customer journeys.

* A proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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