Merchandise Planner

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