Support Center - Irving The Senior Category Management Planner is key business partner with Category Manager and Category Director (CM/CD) to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory. **Analysis:** + Provide CD/CM with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory, in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plans + Ensure corporate inventory initiatives are included in department strategies + Optimize seasonal inventory flow in season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resets + Partner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goals **Purchase Planning:** + Using MFP (Michaels Financial Planning), create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programs + Owns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plans + Incorporates correction of errors + Recommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flow + Recommend optimal inner and master packs + Work with pricing and CD/CM to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend product + Evaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunities + Develop and adhere to critical timelines **Assortment Planning:** + Insure assortments are completed within specific timeframes + Participate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information + Make appropriate recommendations **Reset Support:** + Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timeline + Implement discontinue timing + Implement order placement timing for new product with CD/CM and replenishment team + Monitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecast + Update finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financials **Other duties as assigned** Minimum Type of experience the job requires + 2-5 years in retail + Numerical analysis; collaborative activities; project management Other + Analytical, organizational, communication, collaborative, self-motivational, and good time management skills required + Ability to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasks + Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraints Preferred Education + Bachelor’s degree or equivalent + Business, retail or related field Preferred Special Certifications or technical skills + Microsoft Office knowledge, especially Excel. Planning system skills preferred Preferred Type of experience the job requires + 2+ in retail planning or allocation preferred **Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.** At The Michaels Companies Inc, **our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity** . As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com (http://www.michaels.com./) and Michaels.ca . The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels (https://www.michaels.com/makerplace) , a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, **Michaels is the best place for all things creative.** For more information, please visit  www.michaels.com At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more. For more information, visit mikbenefits.com . **Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all** **c** **ustomers** **to create, innovate and be better together.** _Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL)._ EEOC Know Your Rights Poster in English (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) EEOC Know Your Rights Poster in Spanish EEOC Poster Optimized for Screen Readers (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_screen\_reader\_10\_20.pdf) Federal FMLA Poster Federal EPPAC Poster (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf)