Space Planning Analyst

As a Space Planning Analyst at Milani, you'll be responsible for optimizing retail space through strategic planogram management, which includes developing and maintaining planograms that align with merchandising strategies and sales goals. You’ll also analyze space productivity and provide valuable insights to enhance product placements, support financial targets through forecasting and budgeting, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute merchandising strategies.

To qualify for the Space Planning Analyst position at Milani, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of experience with JDA Space Planning and Category Management software is essential, along with a JDA Certification. Candidates should also have retail sales experience, ideally in the beauty industry, and strong Microsoft Suite skills.

At Milani, maintaining product data integrity is crucial for the Space Planning Analyst role. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate SKU assignments within planograms, which involves meticulous attention to detail and regular updates. Utilizing advanced software for analysis, you will streamline processes and help safeguard the integrity of product data in all merchandising activities.

In the Space Planning Analyst role at Milani, you'll actively support various internal teams such as Product Development, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service. By acting as a merchandising expert, you will help these teams align their strategies with merchandising efforts and ensure cohesive execution that drives brand success.

The annual base salary range for the Space Planning Analyst role at Milani is between $80,000 and $95,000. It's important to note that this range can vary based on factors such as location, education, skills, and experience. Milani is committed to offering competitive compensation reflective of your qualifications and contributions to the team.

When discussing your experience with JDA Space Planning software during the interview, focus on specific projects you have worked on, the outcomes of those projects, and how you utilized the software to enhance space productivity. Be prepared to explain the advantages of JDA in your past roles and how it can be beneficial in achieving Milani's merchandising goals.

During the interview, demonstrate your strategic thinking by discussing the steps you take to develop a planogram, including how you assess sales data, understand customer demographics, and align it with the partner’s merchandising strategy. Share examples of how your planogram adjustments led to improved sales or customer experience in previous positions.

When answering this question, outline the analytical techniques and software tools you employ for space productivity analysis. Highlight your experience in interpreting data, identifying trends, and making recommendations that lead to measurable improvements in sales and customer engagement. Examples of successful implementations will strengthen your response.

To answer effectively, emphasize your communication skills and ability to foster relationships with different departments. Discuss how you initiate regular meetings, share vital insights, and seek input from teams such as Marketing and Sales to align objectives and enhance the retail experience. Highlight any specific tools or practices you utilize for seamless collaboration.

Share a specific challenge you've encountered in space planning, such as balancing competing priorities or adjusting to last-minute changes. Describe the strategies you employed to navigate the challenge, focusing on your problem-solving abilities and any innovative solutions you implemented to maintain effective merchandising operations.

Demonstrate your passion for the beauty industry by discussing the resources you utilize to stay informed about trends, such as following industry publications, participating in relevant webinars or conferences, and engaging with influencers on social media. Mention how these insights can influence your work as a Space Planning Analyst at Milani.

In your response, illustrate your flexibility and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. Provide an example where you successfully managed multiple projects or shifted focus quickly, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to meeting deadlines while ensuring quality work.

Emphasize the importance of customer experience in space planning by discussing how meticulous planning can influence customer behavior and drive sales. Share how you consider customer shopping patterns and preferences when developing merchandising strategies, ensuring the retail experience aligns with Milani's brand values of inclusivity and self-expression.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, which might include creating to-do lists, assessing project deadlines, or using project management software. Explain how you determine which tasks are urgent versus important and how you communicate with teams to keep everyone aligned as you work on diverse projects.

This is your chance to showcase your genuine passion for Milani's brand and mission. Discuss how Milani's commitment to inclusivity and innovation resonates with you, and how you envision contributing to their success as a Space Planning Analyst. Personal anecdotes or experiences relevant to beauty and retail can enhance your answer.