Merchandise Planner

Merchandise PlannerWant to help pets live their best lives?We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live Their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco Team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.About Petco:We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.This role can be based out of any of the following locations:San Diego, CA: Hybrid / On-site (based out of our National Support Center - NSC)Southern California (Orange County, & Los Angeles County): Remote / Flexible Hybrid (with periodic visits to our National Support Center in San Diego, CA)San Antonio, TX: Hybrid / On-site (based out of our Satellite Support Center - SSC)Texas (Statewide) & Phoenix, AZ: RemoteThe Merchandise Planner plays a strategic role in driving sales, optimizing inventory, and enhancing customer satisfaction through data-driven planning and forecasting. This role requires a deep understanding of niche markets, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place.Key ResponsibilitiesPlanning & ForecastingDevelop and maintain merchandise financial plans by category, season, and store/channelForecast sales, margin, and inventory targets based on historical data and market trendsCollaborate with buying teams to build assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demandInventory & AllocationMonitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies to minimize stockouts and overstocksPartner with allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across stores and channelsIdentify slow-moving items and propose markdowns, promotions, or reallocation strategiesFinancial AnalysisAnalyze performance metrics including sell-through, turn, margin, and ROIPrepare weekly/monthly business reviews and present insights to cross-functional teamsSupport pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitabilityCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and store operations teamsProvide planning input for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store openingsCommunicate inventory risks and opportunities to leadershipSkills & QualificationsAnalytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret data and forecast trendsRetail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behaviorCommunication: Clear and collaborative communication across departmentsTechnical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning tools (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle)Strategic Mindset: Ability to balance short-term needs with long-term business goalsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retailExperience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plusPetco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.