Demand Planner

Become part of the Converse Team

Converse is a place to explore potential, break barriers and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Converse, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving world to make things better as a team.

As an Allocator, you ensure Converse wins with the consumer: your decisions guarantee the right merchandise assortment is available at the right time, in the right stores, in the right volume. Being an Allocator for the Converse Stores, you will join our strong retail team at our European Head Office based in Hilversum.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will work closely in squads with the assortment planning and merchandising teams for Converse Direct Stores. You will also collaborate with MPO, Brand & RMs within EHQ and store teams.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for Allocators to join our EHQ team. In this role you will serve the Converse Direct business as part of the Direct Planning & Allocation Team. This role is specialized on in-season trade and inventory optimization.

The candidate needs to have the following functional competencies:

• Analytics: A blend of analytical skills are required, being able to leverage data to develop plans and drive better decisions. High systems affinity & strong working knowledge of Excel (including setting up spreadsheets, formulas, etc.).
• Risk mgt: Escalates risks or opportunities that are grounded in facts and presents options for resolution. Assess risk within business objectives.
• Consumer focus: Understand consumer needs & marketplace from available data and is able to link plan with market trends. Awareness of product portfolio and strategy, including expectations around consumer response, growth opportunities and product lifecycle.
• Team: Strong team player with a positive attitude who helps train and develop peers. Able to collaborate and communicate effectively with upstream & downstream functions. Proactively approach self-development seeking and acting on feedback from peers & leaders.

Required skills and experiences:

• Prior experience in Allocation, Location planning, Assortment planning, MPO, Sales, Finance functions, or as a Buying Coordinator.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to engage effectively with a broad range of audiences including business leaders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial & Entrepreneurial mind- and skillset, ability to negotiate and trade pre- and in-season.
• Self-starter mentality, eager to drive and own end-to-end communication with results-driven, forward-thinking, and proficient information-seeking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to network, utilize internal and external resources, deliver commitments, and meet timelines.
• Excellent knowledge of Excel, MS Windows applications, and a quick learner for new systems & applications. Knowledge of Just Enough allocation system is a plus.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As an Allocator you will:

• Capture market and store trends and work closely with the Merchandising and Assortment Planning teams to drive a compelling assortment to our retail doors in order to maximize sales.
• Analyze sales and inventory information to forecast future sales to optimize the replenishment process.
• Collaborate with key cross-functional stakeholders on pre-season and in-season risks & opportunities.
• Allocate within the constraints of maximum target capacities; allow smooth transitioning between campaigns, flows and seasons.
• Create ad-hoc reporting as needed to drive allocation decisions and educate stakeholders on current stock position, risks and opportunities.
• Understand launch and marketing initiatives; proactively acquire necessary information to support campaigns and initiatives to ensure coverage of product used.
• Determine right depth per store/style/size for the initial allocation considering the information provided by the Merchandising team, current sales trend analyses, expected sales targets and store capacity.
• Minimize end of season stock; ramp down replenishment on slow sellers to increase store sell-through and minimize returns.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, a casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring encouragement and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

Converse is more than a company; it’s a worldwide advocate for self-expression. This belief motivates our employees, permeates our working environment and inspires our products. No two of us look or think exactly alike. We are each one-of-a-kind. Individually and as a culture, we have the freedom to create and grow professionally. Generous benefits packages only sweeten the experience. From Boston to Shanghai, from Brand Design to Finance, Converse is a brand that celebrates the unique and creative people of the world. Together, we’re different.