Merchandise Planner

Position Summary

The Wholesale Merchandise Planner is a key member of the planning, merchandising, and sales organization, responsible for developing and executing seasonal buying strategies, managing open-to-buy and pre-season budgets, and identifying opportunities for optimizing inventory across channels. This role bridges buying, merchandising, and analytics — ensuring the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to drive sell-through and profitability.

Responsibilities

Buying & Assortment Planning

• Develop and execute seasonal buying plans built from bottoms-up rollups, aligned with brand strategy and sales targets
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets across categories to maximize sell-through and minimize excess inventory
• Partner with sales, design, and brand teams to curate an assortment that reflect customer profiles and market trends
• Identify and pursue opportunities for in-season buys, replenishments, and discount strategies

Merchandising

• Analyze sales performance, margin, and sell-through data to inform assortment decisions and future planning
• Collaborate with sales to develop compelling product presentations and line sheets for wholesale accounts
• Monitor competitive landscape and retail trends to ensure the assortment remains market-relevant
• Support the development of markdown and promotional strategies to clear slow-moving inventory
• Coordinate product availability timelines with sales to align on delivery windows and launch calendars

Inventory Management

• Develop and manage replenishment strategies for core and continuity programs
• Coordinate with warehouse, logistics, and operations teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely order fulfillment
• Manage transfer order creation and inventory receipt reconciliation in NetSuite, serving as the internal point of accountability for system accuracy across the supply chain

Reporting & Analytics

• Build and maintain weekly, monthly, and seasonal reporting on sell-through, revenue, OTB, and account performance
• Present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional partners
• Develop forecasts and scenario plans to support buying decisions and financial target-setting
• Track KPIs against plan and communicate variances with clear action plans
• Leverage AI and analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Claude) to create scalable reporting frameworks

What Success Looks Like

• Timely and trusted reporting for cross-functional partners who rely on your dashboards and recaps to make decisions
• Clear and proactive communication with cross-functional partners ensuring all teams are aligned on risks, opportunities, and execution priorities
• Forecasts are accurate and inventory receipts align closely with demand, reducing costly surprises
• Buying decisions are data-driven — assortment choices are backed by clear sell-through, margin, and trend analysis
• Cross-functional partners want to work with you — sales, ops, and finance see you as a strategic asset, not just a numbers person

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in wholesale planning, merchandise planning, or a related retail planning role
• NetSuite experience along with wholesale order management platforms (e.g., NuOrder)
• Experience managing open-to-buy budgets and working within structured planning cycles
• Strong understanding of in-season inventory management, including sell-through, weeks of supply, and inventory flow
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic modeling); experience with planning or BI tools a plus
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with Planning, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Production teams
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership

What We Offer

• Hybrid Office – 3 days in office
• Competitive compensation
• Health and dental benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• Commuter benefits
• Advancement opportunities
• 20 days of PTO annually
• 9 company holidays annually (Holiday Calendar) + 2 floating holidays

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Primarily seated work at a desk or workstation, using a computer and office equipment for extended periods; may occasionally be required to stand, walk, or move within the office and between meeting spaces.
• Occasionally required to lift, carry, or handle office materials and supplies weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Exposed to typical office noise levels in a climate-controlled environment.
• Uses hands and fingers frequently to handle office tools, operate computer equipment, and manage paperwork.
• May occasionally be required to bend, stoop, or crouch when accessing files, storage areas, or low cabinets.
• Effective communication with team members is essential, including the ability to exchange information regarding company operations and policies across various departments.
• Follows standard office safety protocols to ensure a safe and secure work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Fair Harbor Clothing PBC retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Fair Harbor Clothing PBC is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the most effective way to invite and retain a diverse workforce is to build an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging. The Firm does not discriminate in employment because of race, creed, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, citizenship status or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact our support team.