Merchandise Planner

JOB SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing, executing, and monitoring merchandise financial plans and inventory strategies to achieve sales, margin, and turn objectives. This role partners closely with buying, merchandising, and allocation teams to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time, maximizing profitability and supporting overall business goals.

 Duties/Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Forecasting
•    Create and manage sales, margin, receipt, and inventory plans at department/class levels, new stores, and Ecommerce.
•    Reforecast plans based on performance and market trends, providing actionable insights.
•    Support the annual and seasonal financial planning process.

Merchandise & Inventory Management
•    Partner with merchants to develop assortment strategies that align with business objectives.
•    Monitor and analyze inventory productivity, including stock-to-sales ratios, turn, and weeks of supply.
•    Recommend adjustments to receipts, markdowns, and promotions to maximize sales and minimize risk.
•    Collaborate with visual and store operations to implement space planning opportunities.
•    Assist Buying and Allocation teams in pre-season strategies.

Analytics & Reporting
•    Prepare weekly, monthly, and seasonal performance reports against plan and forecast (OTB).
•    Provide actionable insights and vendor plans to cross-functional partners.
•    Oversee and support key ladder plans with the Allocation team.
•    Track and analyze KPIs, including sales, gross margin, IMU, and sell-through.

Collaboration & Communication
•    Partner with buyers, allocators, and store operations to optimize product distribution.
•    Work closely with leadership on budgeting and forecasting alignment.
•    Clearly communicate risks and opportunities to leadership and cross-functional teams.
 

  Required Skills & Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, supply chain management, merchandise planning, or related field (preferred).
•    Proven self-starter with 3–5 years of experience in retail planning, merchandise planning, or financial analysis.
•    Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
•    Experience with planning systems such as Oracle, SAP, JDA, or ANTUSA.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
•    Highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•    Solid understanding of retail operations and supply chain processes.
•    Knowledge of demand forecasting and replenishment strategies.

Work Environment
•    Office-based role with occasional travel to stores or distribution centers.
•    Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines during peak seasons.