Associate Merchandise Planner

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you play a key role in shaping how product performs across the business. You'll turn data into insights that influence real decisions, helping ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. Working closely with Merchandising and cross-functional partners, you'll contribute to strategies that balance opportunity and risk while driving results across key items.

What You'll Be Doing

Planning & Strategy
• Build and manage weekly sales, markdown, and receipt plans for key items using both historical data and emerging trends
• Translate item strategies into actionable financial plans using Enterprise Planning tools and performance metrics
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish pre-season financial targets aligned with the merchant vision

Performance Analysis & Insights
• Analyze in-season performance and identify opportunities to maximize sales, optimize in-stock levels, and mitigate risk
• Deliver bottoms-up reporting and ad hoc analyses to recap item-level performance
• Use hindsight and in-season insights to inform future assortment strategies

Business Influence & Decision Support
• Develop clear, solution-oriented recommendations that drive business outcomes
• Influence Merchandise Planners by sharing data-driven insights to optimize forecasts
• Bring a thoughtful point of view grounded in analysis to support decision-making
• Proactively recommend next steps to enable timely, informed actions

Collaboration & Communication
• Partner with Store Planning and Allocation teams to align inventory plans with store targets
• Participate in cross-functional business meetings to ensure alignment with merchandise strategies
• Facilitate monthly key item review meetings, sharing insights on performance, risks, and opportunities
• Communicate financial concepts clearly and effectively across a variety of audiences

What You'll Need

Experience
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Planning, Allocation, Buying, financial analysis, or a combination of planning and merchant experience

Education
• BA or BS in Business, Finance, or related field

Skills
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including data retrieval, organization, and presentation
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to changing demands, with strong time management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, particularly when communicating financial concepts
• Proficiency in Excel, MicroStrategy, and Enterprise Planning tools
• Ability to form a point of view, influence others with data, and recommend strategic actions

Perks and Benefits You'll Enjoy!

Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at

Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities , giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired-wherever you do your best work.

Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.

We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com , plus discounts across our family of brands.