Associate Merchandise Planner

Overview

About the Team

Planning, forecasting, and inventory allocation are critical to delivering exceptional client experiences. Our team of analytical and strategic inventory professionals partners closely with merchandising, vendors, and operations to ensure the right products are available at the right time.

From initial assortment planning through final delivery, we optimize inventory levels, forecast client demand, and strengthen brand partnerships. In a fast-paced and evolving retail environment, we continuously improve speed, accuracy, and execution—because creating great experiences is only meaningful if we deliver on them.

Role Overview

As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you will own brand-level planning across both pre-season and in-season timeframes to ensure optimal inventory performance, in-stock rates, and Days on Hand (DOH) targets.

Reporting to the Senior Merchandise Planner, you will act as a key financial and strategic partner to Merchants—driving business growth through data-driven planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in beauty, fashion, or CPG retail environments, where speed, assortment complexity, and demand variability are critical.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Season Planning & Strategy (30%)

• Build and manage brand budget plans in partnership with Inventory Directors, Merchants, and Vendors
• Develop new brand launch strategies, including sales forecasts, SKU-level inventory planning, and order flow setup
• Align assortment strategies with financial targets and lifecycle expectations

In-Season Management & OTB Ownership (40%)

• Own and manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) including sales, GM%, receipts, and inventory projections
• Reconcile OTB plans with Demand Planning / Replenishment forecasts
• Present insights and recommendations in monthly cross-functional OTB meetings
• Continuously monitor and optimize performance against key KPIs:

  • In-stock %

  • Sell-through
  • Weeks of Supply (WOS)
  • GMROI (Gross Margin Return on Investment)

Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)

• Partner with Demand Planning to ensure forecast alignment and execution
• Guide and support Merchandise Planning Assistants, prioritizing high-impact launches
• Collaborate with Merchandising on assortment productivity and optimization

Analytics & Business Insights (15%)

• Analyze sales and inventory performance for key initiatives, promotions, and launches
• Conduct seasonal hindsight analysis to inform future planning decisions
• Identify risks and opportunities through data-driven insights

Inventory Optimization & Vendor Management (15%)

• Develop and execute liquidation strategies for excess or exit inventory
• Maintain consistent communication with vendors regarding performance, in-stock levels, and issue resolution
• Recommend assortment adjustments, including discontinuations and new opportunities

Qualifications

Experience

• 4+ years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Planning, or related field
• Experience within beauty, fashion, or CPG retail environments strongly preferred

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related field preferred

Technical Skills & Systems

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite
• Experience with planning and ERP systems such as:

  • SAP

  • Oracle
  • Blue Yonder
  • Anaplan
    (or similar inventory planning / forecasting tools)

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial acumen (sales, margin, inventory planning)
• Ability to translate data into actionable business strategies
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Clear and effective communication (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive problem solver with a solutions-oriented mindset

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