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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Associate Merchant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$78K - $88K/yr

... merchandise strategies that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity ... This role is responsible for supporting assortment planning, vendor management, and business ...

Associate Merchant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$78K - $88K/yr

... merchandise strategies that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity ... This role is responsible for supporting assortment planning, vendor management, and business ...

Tying back to the top-down merchandise financial plan to the Department and Category level, which ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

Tying back to the top-down merchandise financial plan to the Department and Category level, which ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

You'll develop valuable skills in merchandise planning, vendor relations, assortment management ... associate training seminars as appropriate. - Attends trade shows and markets as appropriate ...

Partner with Merchandising, Inventory, and Store Operations teams to ensure assortment plans align ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

... and Merchants to define and optimize our product assortment strategy. Using strong analytical ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Merchandise Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$58.5K

$69.8K

$85.3K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in Virginia is $69,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $73,900.00 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia? For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in VA? For Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,839 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Associate MERCHANDISE FINANCIAL PLANNER

NEXCOMHQ

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Note 1: This is a Grade/Salary Code progression position. Selectee may advance non-competitively to the next higher level (Merchandise Financial Planner, NF4B) upon successful completion of qualification requirements.
Job Summary:
Assist higher level Merchandise Financial Planner with the development and implementation of financial plans including sales, inventory and profit. Assists with monitoring sales and profit results and may provide recommendations to achieve financial goals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs the following in the capacity of an assistant.
    Develops the retail merchandise fiscal financial budget goals and procedures working closely with buyers and inventory planners.
    Applies knowledge of merchandise planning and analysis to perform monthly financial reviews. Identifies trends, potential growth opportunities and areas of concern; develops and monitors action plans for the merchandising departments and the ecommerce web store.
    Manages the financial planning process for their areas of responsibilities within the Merchandise division.
    Responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of the order approval and open to buy process relating to sales and inventory for their retail merchandise categories.
    Develops, implements, and performs analysis of special projects.
  • Plans, prepares, controls, and completes management projects and related correspondence as it relates to the merchandising financial planning tools.
  • Prepares communication to the field relative to sales, inventory, and gross profit analysis.
    Responsible for supervision and training of their direct reports, Financial Planners and schedules work; prepares performance reviews; selects, approves, and/or recommends associate hiring/promotions and other personnel actions.
  • Works under the supervision of Senior Merchandising Financial Planner who establishes deadlines and indicates scope of responsibility.
  • Incumbent receives minimum supervision and carries out mission with a high degree of independence and exercises initiative and judgment in resolving problems and executing assignments.
  • Carries out duties in accordance with established methods, procedures and guidelines.
    Carries out policy of courtesy and service.
  • Recognizing the importance of attention required in a retailing and service organization, exercises tact, good manners and courtesy when working with fellow associates and external customers.
    Tactfully responds to inquiries and provides assistance in prompt, friendly, and professional manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Incumbent may progress non-competitively to a Merchandise Financial Planner position, NF-04 (SC 4B) upon the completion of qualification requirements and training within a 2-year timeframe; advancement is not permitted with less than 1 year in current position.
  • The incumbent of this position must file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE) Form 450, as required.

A Total of 5 years of experience consisting of the following :
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
3 years of experience in administrative professional or other responsible work that enabled the applicant to gain knowledge of retail merchandising and procurement practices demonstrated skill in dealing with others in a business environment and the ability to analyze problems and recommend practical solutions using sound judgment.
OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience up to a maximum of a 4 years bachelors degree for 3 years of general experience.
AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
2 years of experience in the following Procurement practices methods and procedures Developing and managing an open to buy system Developing seasonal financial plans Preparation of inventory projections Monitoring and maintenance of sales inventory levels and stock turns Review and analysis of sales inventory and profit trends Database spreadsheet software applications Supervisory responsibility of human resources etc.