We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandise Planner to support the development and execution of merchandise strategies that drive sales, inventory optimization, and overall business performance. This role is responsible for both pre-season planning and in-season inventory management, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to ensure inventory investments align with financial and merchandising objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans to support monthly, quarterly, and annual business goals
- Monitor sales trends, inventory levels, and receipt flow to identify risks and opportunities and recommend actionable solutions
- Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to ensure inventory plans align with assortment strategies and business objectives
- Participate in regular forecasting and inventory review meetings, providing insights and recommendations based on performance
- Reforecast sales and inventory needs, adjusting plans as necessary to optimize stock levels and support financial targets
- Create seasonal merchandise plans across categories, ensuring product investments align with sales forecasts and inventory objectives
- Analyze sales performance, inventory productivity, and market trends to drive informed planning decisions
- Manage inventory lifecycle strategies, including markdown recommendations, exit strategies, and transition planning for product assortments
- Lead cross-functional discussions related to inventory planning, forecasting, and Open-to-Buy management
- Build and maintain reporting, forecasting tools, and financial models to support planning initiatives
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of retail math, inventory management, and financial planning concepts
- Experience utilizing financial metrics and reporting to drive business decisions
- Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into actionable business recommendations
- Experience with SKU-level and category-level planning, forecasting, and inventory management
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
- Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and results-driven
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs (or equivalent functions
Requirements
- 2+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, buying, allocation, forecasting, or a related retail planning functions
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience within retail, consumer goods, apparel, footwear, accessories, or a related industry preferred.
- Ability to work collaboratively across merchandising, finance, and operations teams
