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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in California

ASSOCIATE BUYER

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $78K/yr

Job Summary The Associate Buyer is responsible for supporting the buying and allocation of products ... Partner with the Merchandising Planning team to develop balanced investment and inventory ...

Associate Buyer - WSS

Gardena, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Associate Buyer supports the execution of the merchandising strategy for an assigned category ... Coordinate with Planning, Allocation, Site Merchandising, Marketing, and Store Operations to ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Merchandise Planner information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$69.5K

$84.9K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in California is $69,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate merchandise planner?

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.

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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in California?

For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in CA?

For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,521 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Associate Inventory Planner

Rejuvenation

San Francisco, CA

$53K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About the Inventory Management Team

You will be part of the Inventory Planning organization responsible for the strategic planning of inventory positions to drive sales, manage inventory turn and meet or exceed financial targets for your area of responsibility. Inventory associates are innovators, optimizers and problem solvers who are constantly seeking opportunities to move the business forward. You will collaborate with other business functions to support a product strategy intended to meet our customer's needs.

Overview of the Associate Inventory Planner role

Associate Inventory Planners support the business with the tactical responsibilities of supply/demand management- tracking purchase orders from point of origin to our Distribution Center, monitoring transfers, and preparing reports that help enable the team to make intelligent business decisions. As mastery is achieved in these areas, Associate Planners will then be introduced to advanced Planning strategy and responsibilities, including Planning ownership of a product category. 

Responsibilities

  • Partner to create pre-season, item-level inventory and sales plans that align with product rankings, merchandising strategies and tops-down financial goals.

  • Ensure key item product assortment supports presentation minimums, safety stock requirements and marketing campaigns.

  • Help determine product order quantities and timing of order placement to support sales plans.

  • Review and analyze business to identify potential inventory opportunities or liabilities and take action to adjust inventory targets.

  • Own execution and distribution of weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting for your department.

  • Operate a computer and communicate via telephone

  • Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis

Criteria

  • You have a passion for our business and retail

  • You are a data driven individual with a curious, entrepreneurial mindset

  • You can thrive and adapt to a constantly changing environment

  • Have a desire and willingness to work collaboratively in a group

  • Possess strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines

  • Naturally challenge yourself to learn and grow

  • You have strong computer skills including business applications such as MS Windows and MS Office, especially Excel

  • Ability to perform work onsite at our San Francisco office Monday through Thursday with Friday being optional work from home. 

Our Culture & Values 

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. 

People First 

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

Benefits

  • A generous discount on all WSI brands

  • A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities

  • Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer

  • Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits

  • Tax-free commuter benefits

  • A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

Continued Learning

  • In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University

  • Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities 

  • Resources for self-development

  • Advisor (Mentor) program

  • Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series   

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.


The expected starting pay range for this position is $53,600.00 - $63,000.00 annually. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.  

Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.