Highly-Adaptive Planning Solution Architect & Business Process Designer

Justin is a Principal with Columbus Consulting specializing in merchandise, assortment and location planning.  His technical expertise is in the development and automation of highly customized Excel analytical tools and Anaplan models.  A highly detail-oriented individual who prides himself on being resourceful and having the desire to challenge the status quo.  Justin’s skill with data manipulation, system testing and data validation, alongside his 15+ years of retail business experience and keen eye for business process optimization make him an invaluable resource on any project, particularly when it requires a technical developer’s mindset with a business-focused lens.

Experience

  • Excel Automation
    • Designed, developed and implemented dozens of bespoke automated Excel solutions such as:
      • Assortment Planning solutions with automated ‘roll-up’ functionality for reporting & review
      • Merchandise Planning solutions including Open-To-Buy tools and automated order creation
      • Location planning solutions including in-season trending and regional planning tools
    • Responsible for building and deploying custom Excel reporting solutions utilizing VBA automation with a variety of data sources (e.g., flat files, SQL databases, cloud-based data warehouses, etc.)
  • Anaplan Model Builder
    • Designed, developed and implemented a 5-year long range financial planning solution
    • Designed and built a Labor Planning Model Demo as a proof-of-concept for a multi-brand retailer
  • QA Testing & Data Validation
    • Designed process, wrote test scripts and lead the unit testing, data validation and system integration testing effort for an Enterprise Planning implementation
    • Created spreadsheets and processes for hierarchy-reorganization and master data management projects for multi-brand clients
  • Solutions Expertise:  Microsoft Excel, Anaplan, Blue Yonder
  • Certifications:  Certified Anaplan Model Builder

Specialization

  • Merchandise & Assortment Planning
  • Location Planning
  • Business Process Design
  • Master Data Management

Expertise

  • Microsoft Excel Automation
  • Anaplan Model Builder
  • Functional & Solution Design
  • QA Testing & Data Validation
  • Retail Consultant

Companies

  • Herschel Supply Co.
  • Canada Goose
  • Event Network
  • Petco
  • Centric Brands
  • Guess
  • PVH
  • Caleres
  • Justice
  • J.Crew

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