Director, In-Store Merchandising and Forecasting (No Frills) 

The Director, In-Store Merchandising and Forecasting is accountable for communicating merchandising standards and direction through the Merchandising Guidance Tool (MGT) and optimizing forecasts for all programs. The Director will ensure that programs developed are applicable to the banner and will review the weekly MGT to ensure changes are communicated. The Director will action stores’ requests, pull on-hands, and work with category on exit plans. They will be responsible for reviewing the weekly volume report, adjusting where necessary, overseeing the sell-through and communication of weekly on-hands by working closely with the Business Units. In addition, the Director will monitor days on hand and work with the District Manager to improve, plan allocations for large programs, and communicate with category on targets.

Accountabilities:

Planning and Forecasting

· Ensure programs developed are applicable for the banner

· Review the allocation planning process for large programs and overall banner program forecasting

· Liaise with the Buying Customer Support (BCS) team on a weekly basis to review all inbound availability issues and assist with any mitigation plans

· Lead the process for all key total store program mapping through the Merchandising Guidance Tool

· Develop and enhance floor mapping tool to cater to evolving customer needs driven by demographic changes

· Oversee forecast validation for flyer ad items including front page, back page, and inside pages

· Oversee forecast review and in-store merchandising for key programs and events

Process Management

· Review weekly volume report and adjust where necessary

· Ensure floor plans built to drive required programs and accommodate flow of inventory to optimize sales, profit and enhanced store execution

· Liaise with category teams on new program launches, enhancements, and seasonal flips to drive optimal programs at No Frills stores

Customer Experience Management (Stores and Customers)

· Communicate merchandising standards and direction through Merchandising Guidance Tool and Execution Guides

· Action store requests for flow of inventory, while pulling on hand inventory reports and working closely with the Category team on an exit plan for code date items and excess inventory

· Coordinate post-mortem sell-through reports to ensure excess inventory is addressed in a timely fashion

· Ad Hoc reporting on performance and support for any promotional store inquiries

Role Requirements:

· University degree in business administration, with focus on risk and/or project management as an asset.

· High analytical and problem-solving skills, process driven

· Proven ability to lead a team

· Proven ability to develop short- and long-term plans in line with corporate strategies.

· Excellent communicator up, down and across the enterprise

· Strong cross functional capabilities to leverage BU teams, Supply Chain, BCS and store operations

· Strong management, negotiation and persuasion skills, optimizing outcomes for all parties concerned

· Must be detail oriented and able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Must have strong computer skills (specifically Excel and creating pivot tables)