Store Planning Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Store Planner will be responsible for leveraging data-driven analytics to consult retailers and project management teams on developing store plans that deliver maximum productivity. The Store Planner is responsible for overall store design, including architectural and fixture layouts, merchandise planning (category space allocation and category placement), lighting placement and electrical needs, and execution of signage/décor and location code plans for new stores and store projects (remodels, relocations, expansions, and consolidations). Additionally, the Store Planner will ensure execution of Ace best practices related to department and category placement (including aisle side placement and adjacencies) while incorporating market intelligence and local needs to execute optimal, consumer-centric store layouts.  Store Planner will also be responsible for developing store front elevations using Photoshop to produce concept and comprehensive store elevations for our retailers and prospective retailers.

Improving the store model is pillar of Ace’s long-term retail strategy and developing the most productive and consumer-centric store layouts for our retailers is a key element of this pillar.

• Scope: Store planner will have ownership over any store planning and design needs for new stores, remodels or conversions.

• Leadership/Mentorship:  Store planners are responsible for mentoring junior team members and leading through special projects as defined by Dept Manager.

What You’ll Do:

• Maximize retailer sales and profitability for Ace Retailers by building highly productive, consumer-relevant store plans that align with defined category strategies and best practices for layout and design. Independently manage all aspects of store plan recommendations, from analytics to consultation, execution and maintenance.

• Consistently execute store planning/design and merchandising principles, namely department and category placement, aisle leadoffs, and adjacencies to drive retail performance.   Identify shopper behavior and market changes that challenge or suggest modifications to store planning best practices and recommend to leadership to continue to drive improvement of store planning strategies and execution.

• Provide consultation and insights to Project Manager and Retailer to develop store plan strategy, ensure sales/sf and gp/sf improvement and gain alignment to recommendations.

• Leverage JDA Floor Planning and CKB to consistently to uphold high Floor Plan integrity and accuracy of floor plans. Lead discussions and influence cross-functional teams to accept recommendations.

• Quickly become an expert or super-user in Ace Best Practices and JDA applications, acting as a mentor and trainer for new and less tenured team members.

• Take leadership role in collaboration with multiple departments (e.g. Category Management, Visual Merchandising, Space Planning, Field Operations) ensure that programs that are new or involving footage changes and/or fixture changes or are “retail ready,” aligned with overall best practices and communicated fully to field team.

• Lead remodel, departmental and new store plan planning sessions cross-functionally by helping to identify key opportunities across the store with additional focus on providing macro space analysis and store design expertise that can help shape further evolution of our store model.

• Proactively monitor category KPI’s to track performance of completed remodels, track trends and identify opportunities make changes to adjacencies, space recommendations and category placement. Independently act on results and influence cross-functional and interdepartmental teams with recommendations.

• Provide direct customer service to retailers as needed.  Return phone calls and emails promptly exhibiting the willingness and expertise to answer questions and resolve issues as presented.

• Identify and execute (with management support) potential special projects that will add value to the department or company.

What You Need To Succeed:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in architectural design and retail merchandise planning

• Demonstrated understanding of interior retail/fixture design, electrical & lighting configuration, ADA requirements, building codes, & exterior design

• Demonstrated understanding of retail industry trends, consumer purchase behavior, and basic merchandising techniques

• Demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking enhancements to the design process

• Desire to lead and progress a team to drive efficiency and minimize lead time in projects

• Quality focused and detail-oriented

• Creative and inspiring design strength

• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines

• Experience managing and coordinating with external consultants, including architectural, interior and others.

• Ability to connect cross-functionally and influence others

• Strong written/verbal communication skills with an aptitude for influencing and selling

• Ability to work and think independently

WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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