Director of Space & Demand Planning

The Director of Space & Demand Planning at RaceTrac is responsible for developing strategies to maximize space efficiency, inventory turns, and profitability across all stores. This includes leading a team focused on assortment planning, merchandising, forecasting, and replenishment, while also ensuring effective communication and alignment among cross-functional teams.

Candidates for the Director of Space & Demand Planning role at RaceTrac should ideally possess a Bachelor's degree in fields such as marketing, logistics, or merchandising, with 8+ years of related professional experience. Supervisory experience and familiarity with the retail industry are essential, and an advanced degree is preferred.

In the role of Director of Space & Demand Planning, you'll partner with various teams within RaceTrac to ensure consistent planning and analytical goals. Effective collaboration is key, as this role involves aligning strategic directions and communicating strategies across departments impacted by planning programs.

The position of Director of Space & Demand Planning at RaceTrac requires up to 25% travel. This travel may involve visits to different store locations and vendor sites to ensure the efficient execution of planning strategies and to strengthen key business relationships.

Successful candidates for the Director of Space & Demand Planning role at RaceTrac will benefit from strong project management skills, a knack for negotiation, and a deep understanding of inventory management. Additionally, a commitment to coaching and developing team members will enhance the overall success of the Space & Demand Planning department.

To improve space efficiency in a retail setting, I would analyze sales data and inventory turnover rates to identify high-demand products. Implementing data-driven planograms and utilizing technology for inventory tracking are essential steps. Additionally, fostering collaboration with the merchandising team can lead to better assortment decisions.

In handling disagreements about planning strategies, I would facilitate an open discussion where each team member can voice their concerns and suggestions. Encouraging constructive feedback helps find a common ground, and if necessary, I would rely on data-driven insights to inform the final decision, ensuring clarity and alignment.

My experience with vendor negotiations involves preparing for discussions by analyzing market trends and vendor performance. I approach negotiations with the objective of building long-term relationships, ensuring mutual benefit, and leveraging data to negotiate favorable contract terms that align with RaceTrac's strategic goals.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize tasks by assessing their impact on overall goals and the urgency of deadlines. I often utilize project management tools to keep track of tasks and delegate appropriately. This approach allows for efficient workflow while ensuring that the most critical tasks receive immediate attention.

Key metrics for assessing demand planning effectiveness include forecast accuracy, inventory turnover rates, stock-out incidents, and the overall profitability of product assortments. Analyzing these metrics provides insights into how well we meet customer demand while maintaining efficient inventory levels.

One challenging project I managed involved optimizing our inventory across multiple store locations. By implementing a new forecasting tool and collaborating closely with the team for accurate data collection, we significantly reduced excess stock and improved inventory turnover rates, resulting in a 15% increase in profitability over six months.

To stay current with industry trends in space and demand planning, I regularly attend relevant workshops, webinars, and conferences. I also engage with industry publications and online forums to exchange insights with other professionals. Staying informed allows me to implement innovative strategies that drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Communication is foundational to my management style. I believe in maintaining an open-door policy, encouraging team members to share their ideas and feedback. Regular check-ins and collaborative discussions foster a positive team environment and enhance our ability to achieve our planning objectives successfully.

My experience with creating standard operating procedures involves evaluating existing processes and identifying areas for improvement. I work closely with team members to draft clear, concise procedures that align with best practices, ensuring everyone understands and adheres to these guidelines for consistency in operations.

To assess the success of my planning strategies at RaceTrac, I would employ key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales growth, customer satisfaction, and inventory accuracy. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps in evaluating effectiveness and making data-driven adjustments to optimize future strategies.