Sr Technical Solutions Analyst - Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Supply Chain Operations

The Senior Technical Solutions Analyst serves as the technical expert within the Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A) and Supply Chain Operations product team, translating business needs into scalable system solutions. The role leads technical discovery, solution design, implementation, optimization, and support to improve business processes, maximize technology investments, and deliver dependable experiences for functional users. By enabling the technology and processes that help the business buy the right amount of product and position it in the right locations at the right time, this role supports Vera Bradley’s turnaround by helping reduce inventory costs and markdowns, minimize out-of-stocks, and maximize opportunities to drive topline sales.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Business Partnership & Process Discovery

•Partner directly with Merchandise Planning & Allocation and Supply Chain Operations teams to understand business processes, challenges, priorities, and desired outcomes.

•Facilitate business-process and technical discovery sessions to identify root causes, clarify requirements, and evaluate opportunities to improve processes through technology.

•Develop and maintain trusted relationships with functional users, product leaders, technology partners, and external vendors.

•Proactively gather feedback from functional users and assess satisfaction with system capabilities, implemented solutions, and ongoing support.

•Translate business needs and product priorities into clear technical requirements, specifications, solution options, and product backlog items.

•Communicate technical concepts, constraints, risks, and recommendations in language that functional users and business leaders can understand.

Solution Design & Technical Leadership

•Serve as the technical subject-matter expert for assigned MP&A and Supply Chain Operations systems, including their configurations, integrations, data, and supporting technologies.

•Partner with the Product Manager and functional users to evaluate solution options and recommend approaches that balance business value, technical feasibility, supportability, security, and long-term sustainability.

•Design and lead the implementation of technology solutions that support product goals, improve business processes, and maximize the value of existing technology investments.

•Configure supported applications and collaborate with developers, integration teams, data teams, vendors, and other technology partners when broader technical capabilities are required.

•Ensure the technical perspective is incorporated into product planning, prioritization, solution design, implementation, and daily product-team activities.

•Maintain a current understanding of relevant technology capabilities and emerging solutions to identify opportunities for improved functionality, efficiency, reliability, and business value.

Requirements, Testing & Implementation

•Develop detailed functional and technical requirements, specifications, process flows, data requirements, and acceptance criteria for new capabilities and system enhancements.

•Validate that proposed solutions address documented business requirements and align with established technical architecture, integration, security, data privacy, and support standards.

•Lead or coordinate system configuration, technical testing, defect resolution, implementation planning, and production deployment activities.

•Partner with functional users to support user acceptance testing and confirm that solutions perform as intended within end-to-end business processes.

•Evaluate implemented solutions after launch, gather user feedback, and recommend adjustments needed to improve adoption, usability, stability, or business outcomes.

•Create and maintain system documentation, configuration records, support procedures, and knowledge materials necessary for reliable ongoing operations.

Application Support & Continuous Improvement

•Lead advanced application support and root-cause analysis for assigned enterprise systems, integrations, and related business processes.

•Diagnose and resolve complex system issues while providing timely, clear communication to affected users and stakeholders.

•Identify recurring incidents, process gaps, and system limitations, then recommend and implement corrective or preventive improvements.

•Monitor solution performance and support outcomes to ensure commitments are met and users receive reliable, effective technology services.

•Coordinate issue resolution across functional teams, technology teams, shared-service providers, software vendors, and implementation partners.

•Facilitate the effective use of shared technology services, reusable capabilities, established standards, and organizational best practices.

•Participate in the on-call rotation and provide after-hours support when required for critical incidents, scheduled implementations, or business operations.

Team Capability & Knowledge Sharing

•Share technical expertise, product knowledge, and problem-solving practices with other analysts and product-team members.

•Mentor analysts through technical guidance, solution reviews, troubleshooting support, training, and knowledge transfer.

•Contribute to the development of consistent analyst practices, documentation standards, and reusable methods across the Analyst Center of Excellence.

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

•Bachelor of Science in Information Systems/MIS, computer science, business or related field or equivalent experience

•5+ years technical experience in Information Technology in support of enterprise class systems

•Exposure to enterprise class system(s) as it relates to the functional areas required (Merchandise Planning and Allocation and Supply Chain Operations)

•Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodology preferred

•Experience with SCALE, D365, and Retail Planning systems preferred (ex. Blue Yonder, O9, Toolio, Retail Oracle, Centric Planning, M19)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•Dedication to delivering solutions for the success of all brands

•Ability to articulate technical concepts in a relatable way to business users

•Strong background in application development and database technologies and concepts

•Excellent PC skills utilizing Microsoft Office software

•Proven problem solving and analytical skills

•Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

•Excellent organization and follow through skills

•Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

•Ability to build and maintain good rapport with internal and external customers and handle situations with confidence, tact and resourcefulness

•Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced office environment

•Strong team player

•Ability and willingness to mentor team members and perform technical training and knowledge transfer

 

ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•Flexibility to provide after hours support (on call) and to occasionally work 2nd and 3rd shifts as well as weekends

•Office environment. Utilizing an office desk – sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day

•Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity

•Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones

 

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY

Vera Bradley is a leading lifestyle company that offers a breadth of iconically casual, colorful, and thoughtfully designed pieces that support self-expression. With a devoted, emotionally connected, and multi-generational customer base, Vera Bradley celebrates individuality through bold patterns, vibrant colors, and innovative designs.

Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller and based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Vera Bradley is known for its distinctive handbags, luggage, travel accessories, fashion and home goods, and unique gifts. The brand’s deep-rooted commitment to community, connection, and charitable giving continues to inspire and resonate with customers around the world.

We operate as a vertical retailer, with over 100 stores in the US, two websites, and a strong presence in department stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces.

We are proud of the competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefit package provided to our associates and their families. Our compensation package is designed to meet our associates today and help them plan for the future.

Health Benefits

Vera Bradley offers a variety of medical, dental and vision programs to meet your family’s health care needs.

• Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan

• Dental

• Vision

• Flexible spending accounts

Survivor Benefits

Life insurance provides peace of mind for your family should the unexpected happen.

• Employer provided 2X your salary in life insurance

• Accidental Death and Disability insurance

• Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse and your children

Income Protection  

If you are unable to work due to illness or injury Vera Bradley provides several programs to protect your income at no cost to you.

• Short-term disability

• Long-term disability

Retirement Plan

The Vera Bradley 401k plan helps you accumulate savings for retirement

• 401k with generous company match, immediate vesting (age and service requirement)

• Strong line up of professionally managed funds

• Safe-harbor plan design

Paid Time Off  

Enjoy generous time off programs.

• Earn up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year of employment with opportunity to earn more

• 9 paid holidays a year

• Paid bereavement leave

Give Back Opportunities  

Vera Bradley offers the opportunity to serve your community.

•        Voluntary Time Off

Holistic Wellness

• Access to a variety of financial, physical, and mental wellness experts

• Employee Assistance Program with access to work/life wellness support including no cost unlimited telephonic counseling services 

• Opportunities for leadership development, skill development and career advancement 

Product Discount

• Generous employee discount on Vera Bradley products 

Ancillary Benefits and Programs

• Bonus opportunity, identity protection, legal services, pet insurance, cell phone discount, employee referral bonus, annual birthday gift, DailyPay, corporate fitness facility and individual policies through Aflac

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled

Vera Bradley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. 

Vera Bradley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

For more information, please click the following links:

Vera Bradley's Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in English)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in Spanish)

Pay Transparency (in English)

Pay Transparency (in Spanish)

E-Verify Participation Poster

Right to Work Poster (English)

Right to Work Poster (Spanish)

California Privacy Notice

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment application process, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  Please include the accommodation you are requesting and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation and other EEO/Affirmative Action issues will be responded to from this e-mail address.

Our intention is to fill this opening within 30 days of the original posting date and applications will be accepted on an on-going basis until the position is filled.

Base Pay Range:

$89,900.00

to

$123,650.00

Vera Bradley’s compensation ranges are based on market data and comply with all local, state and federal regulations. Individual pay within the listed range depends on work location, skills, experience, and relevant education. The posted salary reflects base pay only and excludes bonuses, equity, or other incentives, if applicable.