Category Planner

The Category Planner is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to optimize category performance, drive sales, and maximize profitability. This role involves analyzing data, managing Open to Buy forecasting demand, managing inventory, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category objectives. The Category Planner plays a pivotal role in ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time.

Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer.

What You’ll Do: 

Demand Forecasting, Replenishment, and Planning:

• Develop accurate sales and inventory forecasts based on historical data, market trends, go forward activity, and promotional plans.
• Utilize forecasting tools and techniques to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts.
• Monitor and analyze forecast accuracy, making adjustments as needed.
• Manage category replenishment with the goal of hitting targets by size and color, ensuring stores and d/c’s have the appropriate amount of stock with the right balance of core product and seasonal.
• Manage the EOL (end of life) process for skus that are sunsetting.  Minimize split shipments by exception managing EOL skus.

Inventory Management:

• Manage inventory levels to achieve target service levels and minimize excess inventory.
• Analyze inventory performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability.
• Manage open to buy budgets

Category Performance Analysis:

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Develop and maintain category performance reports and dashboards.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the Category Manager and other stakeholders.
• Analyze sell through data and make recommendations on go forward steps (markdowns and re-orders)

Assortment Planning: 

• Assist in developing and executing assortment plans that align with category strategies and customer needs. 
• Analyze product performance and recommend adjustments to the assortment. 
• Collaborate with buying and merchandising teams to ensure alignment on product selection.

Promotional Planning: 

• Assist in planning and executing promotional activities to drive sales and achieve category objectives.
• Analyze promotional effectiveness and make recommendations for future promotions. 
• Work with marketing to understand upcoming promotional calendars.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with buying, merchandising, product development, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure effective execution of category plans. 
• Communicate category performance and insights to stakeholders. 
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and projects.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or related area of study
  • Equivalent work experience will be considered
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Understanding of supply chain principles.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Strong understanding of retail math and financial analysis.
• Experience with forecasting, assortment, replenishment, and inventory management software
• Proficiency in Google Sheets and data analysis tools.
• 7+ years of experience years of experience.
• 1+ years of management experience  managing activities of a sub-department and is accountable for staffing decisions.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks

Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our products—it's about our people too.  That's why our Dam Good Crew enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support their well-being and success.

• Multiple Medical plan options 

• Dental & Vision plans 

• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Health Savings Account including company contributions  

• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D

• Company paid Short-Term Disability

• Other various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance

• 401(k) Employer Match

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan to purchase Duluth Trading Co. stock at a discount 

• 12 weeks of Parental Leave at 100% pay 

• Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

• Paid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employees

• Daily pay available  

• 40% Employee Discount 

• Flexible Fridays 

• Onsite fitness center

Position Compensation Outline 

Compensation Range: $75,000 to $130,000/year 

This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program. 

Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.

#LIONSIT

The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating.

From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it’s all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life.

Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that’s hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.