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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nautica

Associate Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

Overview Associate Merchandise Planner Nautica POSITION SUMMARY As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and ...

Nautica

Associate Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY

$62K - $114K/yr

Overview Associate Merchandise Planner Nautica POSITION SUMMARY As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and ...

Aquent

Associate Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40.80 - $45.33/hr

The Role As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you will manage brand planning for both pre-season and in-season windows, driving SKU in-stock metrics and optimization. Acting as the core financial ...

Lids

Associate Merchandise Planner

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Description Associate Merchandise Planner About Our Company Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across ...

Skill

Associate Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40.80 - $45.33/hr

The Role As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you will manage brand planning for both pre-season and in-season windows, driving SKU in-stock metrics and optimization. Acting as the core financial ...

New

ALO

Associate Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support the planning team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales and ...

Claire's

Associate Merchandise Planner

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Description General Summary The Associate Planner is responsible for assisting the Planning team in the purchasing and distribution of merchandise to maximize sales and margin within the assigned ...

Aéropostale

Associate Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for the strategic direction of inventory based on analysis of departmental financials, historical data, and current market trends. They will manage ...

ALO

Associate Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support the planning team in developing and executing merchandise strategies that drive sales and ...

PacSun

Associate Merchandise Planner

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

Pre-season topside merchandise planning at a department/class level/style-color level, as well as ... Generous associate discount of 30 - 50% off merchandise online and in-stores * On-site Cafe * On ...

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Associate Merchandise Planner information

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$59K

$70.4K

$86K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in the United States is $70,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Merchandise Planner vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssociate Merchandise PlannerMerchandise Planner
ResponsibilitiesSupports merchandise planning, assists with inventory management, data analysisDevelops sales forecasts, manages inventory levels, creates merchandise plans
Required SkillsData analysis, basic forecasting, communication skillsAdvanced forecasting, strategic planning, analytical skills
ExperienceEntry-level or 1-2 years in retail or merchandising3+ years in merchandising or planning roles
Work EnvironmentRetail companies, fashion brands, department storesRetail chains, apparel companies, department stores

The main difference between an Associate Merchandise Planner and a Merchandise Planner lies in experience and scope. An Associate Merchandise Planner typically supports planning activities and handles more routine tasks, while a Merchandise Planner manages comprehensive forecasting and strategic inventory decisions. Both roles are essential in retail, with the Associate position serving as an entry point for those developing their planning careers.

What are Associate Merchandise Planners?

Associate Merchandise Planners are entry-level professionals in the retail industry responsible for assisting in the planning, forecasting, and allocation of products to maximize sales and minimize inventory costs. They analyze sales data, monitor inventory levels, and help develop strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place. Working closely with buyers, merchandisers, and supply chain teams, Associate Merchandise Planners play a crucial role in supporting the merchandising process and achieving financial goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Merchandise Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, retail planning software (such as Oracle or JDA), and data analysis tools is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for making informed inventory decisions, optimizing sales, and supporting the overall merchandising strategy.

How does an Associate Merchandise Planner typically collaborate with buyers and inventory teams?

An Associate Merchandise Planner works closely with buyers to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and develop assortment plans that align with business goals. They regularly communicate with inventory teams to monitor stock levels, identify potential shortages or overages, and coordinate replenishment strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that the right products are available at the right time, helping to maximize sales and minimize excess inventory. Effective teamwork and strong communication skills are essential in this role, as decisions often require input from multiple departments.
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Associate Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Associate Merchandise Planner

Associate Merchandise Planner

Nautica

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Nautica rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Associate Merchandise Planner
Nautica
POSITION SUMMARY
As an Associate Merchandise Planner you will be responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and exceed financial goals. The Planner's key focus is generating an assortment architecture for a given area and creating a seasonal buy plan by classification and/or item while developing seasonal product strategies based on business opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional partners to execute their vision.
The Associate Merchandise Planner builds financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans for multiple departments at the item/classification level. Provides markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit and sell thru objectives and delivers in-season financial projections (OTB) and strategies identifying risks and opportunities to maximize profits. Responsible for providing the Store Planning Team with the necessary guidance and direction to help them achieve their objectives.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Build financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a weekly and item level
Create pricing strategy by item that maximizes sales and gross profit
Reforecast business in-season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross functional partners and senior leadership
Create allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs.
Create and plan product assortments (item, color, size) for each product category
Review replenishment plans monthly by style/size with team to ensure optimal inventory which drive sales and turn goals.
Collaborate with cross functional departments to ensure success of product strategies
Other related duties to be assigned by direct supervisor
Frequent in person collaboration
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum of 1-2 years of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical experience
Business knowledge of retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts
Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets financial information accurately
Ability to utilize retail math skills to analyze and drive business
Advanced excel skills necessary
Preferred:
• Knowledge of Financial Planning Applications (ie Microstrategy, Foresight)
• Ability to successfully collaborate with internal partners
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Able to independently organize and prioritize broad workload to meet deadlines
• Strong written communication skills
• Outstanding verbal communication skills with the ability to influence
• Exhibits high standards and accountability; takes pride in accuracy
• Results-oriented and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency
5-6 PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES
• Proactivity and Drive
• Execution
• Collaborative Spirit
• Judgement
• Adopt and Embrace Change
Pay Range
USD $62,700.00 - USD $114,000.00 /Yr.

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