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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carhartt

Associate Merchandise Planner

Dearborn, MI · Remote

Associate Merchandise Planner Department: Business Planning Reports to: Manager, Planning Location: Dearborn Job Classification: Remote FLSA Status: Exempt Job Band: Professional Job Summary The ...

Carhartt

Associate Merchandise Planner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Associate Merchandise Planner Department: Business Planning Reports to: Manager, Planning Location: Dearborn Job Classification: Remote FLSA Status: Exempt Job Band: Professional Job Summary The ...

Carhartt

Associate Merchandise Planner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Associate Merchandise Planner Department: Business Planning Reports to: Manager, Planning Location: Dearborn Job Classification: Remote FLSA Status: Exempt Job Band: Professional Job Summary The ...

Arhaus

Associate Merchandise Planner

Hudson, OH · On-site

The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for creating and maintaining monthly and yearly financial plans for their assigned categories and effectively partnering with the Merchandising ...

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 ...

VICI

Associate Merchandise Planner

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an analytical and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support our Planning team in driving sales, margin, and inventory performance. In this role, you will ...

VICI

Associate Merchandise Planner

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

About the Role We are seeking an analytical and detail-oriented Associate Merchandise Planner to support our Planning team in driving sales, margin, and inventory performance. In this role, you will ...

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How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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.

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 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.

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Associate Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,443 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Associate Merchandise Planner

Associate Merchandise Planner

Carhartt

Dearborn, MI • Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Carhartt rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Details:
Title: Associate Merchandise Planner
Department: Business Planning
Reports to: Manager, Planning
Location: Dearborn
Job Classification: Remote
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Band: Professional
Job Summary
The Associate Merchandise Planner develops, manages and executes sales, inventory and margin plans that tie to financial targets for their product category. This individual contributes to the success of the organization by forging strong cross-functional partnerships, correlating historical and current trends, planning and forecasting multiple monthly and annual KPI's, optimizing inventory. The Associate Merchandise Planner serves as the business manager for a specific book of business in partnership with a mentoring planner(s). This role will also work to support other Merchandise Planners as needed for continued team support as well as continued individual growth.
Inspired by Hard Work
At Carhartt, the values of hard work-dependability, honesty, and trust-are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission-We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products-we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.
Associate Responsibilities
  • Develop seasonal assortment for assigned categories that tie to the financial targets for Revenue, Margin, Productivity, Average Inventory and Turn in partnership with peer planner(s)
  • Partner with Merchandising to present plan position in relation to global targets. Gain consensus from leadership and execute plan revisions prior to locking the original plan
  • Review category level roll-ups in relation to prior forecast and original plan. Provide feedback and direction to teams consistent with the company's top-down goals.
  • Articulate global trend of assigned categories in relation to department performance while reviewing key variances to prior forecast and original plan. Manage up opportunities and potential risk to Planning Leadership
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to understand receipt flow and capacity constraints to maximize sales and productive inventory levels through review of inventory strategies to ensure inventory is meeting corporate turn goal
  • Participate in monthly meetings to identify sales risks due to inadequate inventory levels, collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and communicate solutions to leadership.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve opportunities as they arise. Take a proactive approach to identifying potential roadblocks and seek out resolutions in a timely manner
  • Champion the Merchandise Planning process and related calendar. Work to ensure company best practices are adhered to and completed within the allotted timeframe.
  • Establish cross-functional relationships to promote best practices and process adherence; foster collaboration and teamwork.
Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or equivalent years of experience
Required Skills & Experience
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in a planning or forecasting field
  • Analytical thinker with an aptitude for Retail math and forecasting methodology
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels including management and external partners
  • Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize workload, juggling multiple concurrent projects and deliverables
  • Self-motivated, passionate and enthusiastic individual ready to bring energy and excitement to lead their business
  • Proactive critical thinking when confronting problem solving
  • Strong computer skills (MS Office and Planning tools) are needed, with advanced Excel capabilities
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Typical office environment; cubicle/office setting. Periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
  • Travel required up to 10% of time
  • This position has a Remote location: Associate will have no regular requirement to be on-site. Travel on-site is limited to special events.
  • Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

#LI-Remote
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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