Associate Merchandise Planner [208771]

You must be living in SF Bay Area upon applying for roles. All other candidates will be disqualified.

About the Team

Planning, forecasting, and inventory allocation are critical to delivering exceptional client experiences. Our team of analytical, strategic, and results-driven 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 ever-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.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Season Planning & Strategy (30%)

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

In-Season Management & OTB Ownership (40%)

• Own and manage monthly Open-to-Buy (OTB), including sales, GM%, receipts, and inventory projections
• Reconcile OTB plans with Demand Planning and Replenishment forecasts
• Present insights and recommendations in monthly cross-functional OTB meetings
• Monitor and optimize key KPIs, including:
  • In-stock %
  • Days on Hand (DOH)
  • Sell-through
  • Inventory productivity

Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)

• Partner with Demand Planning to ensure forecast alignment and execution
• Guide and support Merchandise Planning Assistants, prioritizing key launches and resolving delays
• Collaborate with Merchandising to optimize assortment productivity

Analytics & Business Insights (15%)

• Analyze sales and inventory performance across key initiatives, promotions, and product launches
• Conduct seasonal hindsight analysis for newness and key programs
• Identify risks and opportunities and provide data-driven recommendations

Inventory Optimization & Vendor Management (15%)

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

Qualifications

Experience

• 4+ years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Inventory Planning, or a related field

Education

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

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office Suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to influence cross-functional partners and drive alignment

Working Conditions

• Primarily office or remote-based work with regular collaboration across teams
• Occasional extended hours may be required to meet deadlines or business needs
• Limited travel may be required

Why This Role

This is a high-impact opportunity to own brand-level planning within a dynamic and fast-growing retail environment. You’ll gain exposure to cross-functional teams, influence key business decisions, and play a critical role in delivering exceptional client experiences.

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