Associate Merchandise Planner

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary:

$40.80-45.33 Hourly

up to $45.33/hr

Start Date:

Jul 6, 2026

Aquent is partnering exclusively with a rapidly growing, premier retail leader, a company that believes planning, forecasting, and allocating products are crucial first steps in a product's journey to the consumer. Their energetic and innovative inventory management team continuously improves speed and accuracy to deliver on their brand promise in a fast-growing, ever-evolving marketplace, creating amazing brand experiences by successfully delivering them.

Are you a strategic, data-driven professional passionate about shaping the success of a leading retail brand? As an integral part of a dynamic inventory management team, you will step into a pivotal role where your expertise directly influences product availability and market success. You'll manage brand planning, optimize inventory, and serve as a core financial partner to the Merchant team, directly contributing to the growth of strategic brand partnerships and transforming complex data into thriving retail strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Own accurate monthly, in-season Open to Buy (OTB) sales, gross margin percentage, receipt, and inventory adjustment projections. Reconcile OTB projections with Replenishment/Demand Planning system forecasts and present updates at cross-functional meetings.
• Develop tailored strategies for new brands, including projected sales, SKU-level inventory needs, and order flow setups for optimal launch windows.
• Analyze and validate sales and inventory needs for key initiatives, marketing animations, and promotions. Conduct seasonal "hindsight" analysis on brand newness and campaign performance.
• Maintain consistent communication with vendors regarding performance and inventory health. Partner with Merchandising to validate product assortments, recommend items to discontinue or develop, and curate a highly productive catalog.
• Partner with Inventory Directors, Merchants, and Vendors to create comprehensive pre-season brand budget plans.
• Partner with Demand Planning on strategy, guide Merchandise Planning Assistants to prioritize crucial orders, and develop liquidation strategies for overstock or exiting collections.

What We're Looking For

Required Skills & Experience

• 4+ years of professional experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail demand planning.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, with intermediate-to-expert skills in MS Excel.
• A proven ability to interpret complex data and synthesize it into intelligent, actionable business decisions.
• Clear and concise communication (written, verbal, and presentation-ready), negotiation skills, and a keen attention to detail.
• A flexible team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple shifting priorities seamlessly.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or a related field.

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About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.