Associate Planner, Demand and Inventory (Dickies)

VF Corporation is looking for an exceptional Associate Planner, Demand and Inventory (Dickies) to join our Dickies Planning Team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

Dickies has spent nearly a century crafting innovative workwear known for its performance, durability and comfort. Since 1922, Dickies continues its long legacy of designing quality workwear and work-inspired apparel at a price anyone can afford. What began as a humble denim bib overall company has grown into a worldwide force, weaving together cultural movements with a rigorous commitment to straightforward style and long-lasting ingenuity.

Let’s talk about the role!     

The EMEA Associate Planner, Demand and Inventory (Dickies) owns the Dickies Demand & Inventory Planning process end to end.

It includes leading monthly demand forecasting and inventory planning activities for the assigned products, including review of net need, execution of collaborations to the sourcing hubs and follows up on confirmed PO ETA’s, review and decision making for ETA change requests.

It also includes shipment tracking, and communication with sales, customer service, merchants and any other involved parties regarding rescheduled deliveries, program deliveries, seasonal deliveries, and any projected shortfall to the business plan.

How you will make a difference

• Analyze sales history, sales/market input and current orderbook to build an accurate buy forecast.
• Collaborate with Global Supply Planning on net purchases based on the forecast, current inventory levels, open purchase orders and production constraints. With the objective to support forecasts, program needs, and global opportunities to ensure timely and in-full deliveries and reduce excess stock and liabilities.
• Analyze shortage and excess inventory positions to guarantee maximum efficiency.
• Develop strong collaborative internal and external relationships to drive an inventory plan to support the financial forecast.
• Perform pre-season, in-season, and post-season analysis to identify opportunities and risks at the product level.
• Provide input around key decisions related to drop and drop timing and stock style positions regarding Supply Demand match. Partner with sales, merchandising and global production to implement strategies and anticipate/mitigate opportunities and risks.
• Collaborate with Global Supply Planning on production and material upcharges to minimize spending and oversee the yearly surcharge budget.
• Participate in global meetings with sourcing to minimize capacity overload and implement mitigation actions.
• Work on company metrics monthly, quarterly, and annually.  
• Provide analytical Research and Reporting as required. 
• Utilize Continuous Improvement techniques for demand & inventory planning processes. 

Skills for Success

To succeed as an Associate Planner, Demand and Inventory (Dickies), you must be passionate about learning, dig into data at a granular level and be keen on details. Strong analytical skills and critical thinking will help you get the most efficient demand & inventory plans whilst minimizing the risk for the brand with a substantial impact on financials KPI.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Critical thinking and decision-making.
• Ability to adapt and evolve. Curiosity and strong passion.
• Influence others for actions that are not direct reports.
• Focused time management and decision-making skills.
• Team player but also able to work independently.
• Preferable previous planning experience of 1 year.
• Analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint and preferably Power BI knowledge.

This post is not eligible for relocation support.

About VF

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!