Merchandise Planning Manager, Accessories & Men's Apparel

Job Description

Job Description

Our Heritage: An American Original Since 1977

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

We are seeking a Planning Manager, Accessories & Men's Apparel to join our Planning, Allocations and Strategy team reporting to the Head of Planning & Corporate Strategy. This role drives business results through the development and implementation of growth, risk, and investment strategies while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule, dependent on role and business needs.

About the role

Essential Functions*:

• Own financial and inventory planning for assigned categories, leading pre-season and in-season decision making
• Provide strategic and targeted insights and actions to drive positive sales and margin results
• Develop and maintain seasonal sales, margin, and inventory plans aligned with overall business objectives
• Partner closely with Merchandising to align assortment strategies with financial targets and inventory flow
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB), receipts, and inventory levels across assigned categories
• Analyze sales performance, sell-through, and inventory productivity to inform in-season actions
• Lead pricing, markdown, and promotional strategies in partnership with Merchandising and Finance
• Regularly prepare and present planning insights, recommendations, and business updates to senior and executive leadership

• Lead pre-season planning, hindsight analysis, and post-season recaps
• Partner with Allocation and Supply Chain teams to support inventory flow and store needs
• Identify and mitigate risks and amplify opportunities related to inventory productivity and margin
• Support special projects as assigned

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Other related duties as assigned

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in planning, allocation, or merchandise analytics within apparel retail
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to translate data into insights and actions that drive results
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; (pivot tables, data cleansing, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data modeling, data visualization)
• Able to navigate large and complex data sets, build and maintain reporting templates
• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Experience with planning systems inc. Toolio a plus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Understanding of retail inventory dynamics
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field preferred
• Leadership experience or demonstrated ability to mentor and influence others

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$120,000 - $130,000, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.