Leadership Development Program - Merchandise Planning

Job Description

Company Description

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a portfolio of lifestyle brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist. Reaching customers across 120+ countries, we strive to create customer-centric, omni-channel experiences for our global customer base.

How do we do it? Every day, our associates show up and empower one another to stay curious and think big. As a team of relentless innovators, we aren’t afraid to dream boldly. We are accountable and aim to the highest caliber to understand, push boundaries and embrace change. We coach, mentor, care, and bring our best selves every day because we are in this together. Whether you lead yourself, a team, or the company, everyone is a leader at A&F.

Planners are the strategic drivers of our product teams, shaping the inventory and financial strategy behind every product. Interpreting and balancing current sales, inventory analysis, financial goals, and emerging trends, our Merchandise Planners build the strategies that maximize our product success and profitability. Planners forecast future product performance, establish sales strategies across domestic, international, and e-commerce channels, and strategically manage our inventory around the world.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio. Job Description

What Will You Be Doing?

Managing the financial success of your product category

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop business strategies, managing profitability, and reacting to change while making strategic decisions based on current sales and inventory information

Researching the global market and leveraging that information to build the most compelling and profitable financial plan

Forecasting and implementing product distribution strategies by analyzing sales data and store inventory levels, incorporating variations by channel

Clearly presenting selling and inventory analysis and performance-to-plan results and strategies to senior leadership, providing insight on selling analysis, customer insights, and trend ideas

What Do You Need To Bring?

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Passion for the A&F brands and the role

Proven leadership experience

Ability to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners

Desire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of a multi-billion-dollar business

Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently with senior-level leaders

Ability to balance between robust analytical capability and an interest in the creative process

Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment

Desire & curiosity to learn more!

To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.

Based out of our world headquarters in Columbus, OH the A&F LDP Programs are highly competitive initiatives that offer immediate exposure to senior level management, as well as a carefully crafted balance between classroom sessions and hands-on experience. With a “promote from within” mentality in mind, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. The Merchandise Planning LDP Program features an initial comprehensive training program up to six weeks long and continued career development through a custom curriculum.

This comprehensive orientation program will include:

Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training

Relationship with a Mentor to guide learning in the new role

Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company

Open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates

Systems Training

Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F

Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office

First year compensation for the A&F Merchandise Planning Leadership Development Program starts at $62,000. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all of our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of five iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. At A&F Co., we’re here for our associates, customers and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are – and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.

Our Values

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

Incentive bonus program

401(K) savings plan with company match

Annual companywide review process

Flexible spending accounts

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Associate assistance program

Paid parental and adoption leave

Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot

Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace

Paid Caregiver Leave

Mobile Stipend

Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community

Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)

Seven associate wellness half days per year

Onsite fitness center

Merchandise discount on all of our brands

Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within

Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups

Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.