Associate Planner - Merchandising

Role Overview Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required) Approved Salary Range: $62k-$72k As an Associate Planner – Merchandise Planning at Rue Gilt Groupe (RGG), you will play a critical role in shaping the daily discovery experience for our members. You will actively participate in the development and execution of merchandising and planning strategies for designated categories to drive top‑line sales and bottom‑line profitability.Working closely with the Sr. Planner and cross‑functional partners, you will act as a foundational pillar in ensuring our category visions are executed with precision. By leveraging data analysis and a keen knowledge of retail trends, you will support our mission to connect world‑class brands to next‑generation shoppers while optimizing inventory efficiency and maximizing financial outcomes. Key Responsibilities Strategic Thinking & Assortment Strategy Collaborate with the Sr. Merchandise Planner and the Merchandising team to develop and execute comprehensive merchandise strategies across multiple departments. Contribute strategic insights to inform financial plans for your area of responsibility, and actively participate in in‑season Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) discussions alongside the financial planner. Participate in establishing strategic initiatives that build highly curated assortment strategies, driving balanced growth, sales, and inventory efficiency. Financial Agility & Data Analysis Evaluate and track the financial performance of merchandise categories against established KPIs to ensure alignment with larger business objectives. Provide data‑backed insights and recommendations to the Merchandise Planning and Buying teams, transforming metrics into effective decision‑making tools. Analyze category performance consistently to identify risk, unlock margin improvement, and discover whitespace product opportunities. Operational Excellence & Innovation Organize and prioritize your independent workload efficiently to ensure data accuracy and timely cross‑functional execution. Cultivate innovation through a natural curiosity, constantly seeking new ideas to push past traditional retail metrics and elevate the customer experience. Identify and participate in process improvement opportunities within the merchandise planning department to streamline team throughput. Cross‑Functional Communication & Leadership Establish highly collaborative relationships with Merchandising, Programming, and other key departments to ensure total strategy alignment. Invest in your self‑development within the planning ecosystem by actively engaging in learning opportunities. Experience and Background Needed Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or another quantitative field preferred. 1–2 years of experience in retail, retail buying, or merchandise planning. Previous experience in an e‑commerce ecosystem is highly preferred. Demonstrated planning and analytical skills with a basic understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with Business Intelligence (BI) software or retail math is a plus. Strong organizational skills with the ability to flex, prioritize, and drive accurate results amid competing timelines. What Our Team Offers Comprehensive Coverage: Robust health, dental, and vision insurance effective on the date of hire. Time & Flexibility: Generous Flex Time Off (FTO) and flexible remote/hybrid work options that support a healthy work‑life balance. Culture: A supportive, inclusive culture that encourages innovation, safety, and creative risk‑taking. Community: Paid volunteer opportunities and regular DEI celebrations to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration. Impact: The chance to make a real, measurable impact at a mission‑driven, fast‑growing company poised for major expansion. We encourage you to apply Even if you don’t meet every single qualification, we’d still love to hear from you. We value passion, curiosity, and a commitment to learning as much as experience. We celebrate diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment for all our Associates. Work Authorization Rue Gilt Groupe requires all applicants to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Rue Gilt Groupe is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr RUE GILT GROUPE