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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen. Qualifications * 7-10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL

Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen. Qualifications * 7-10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Demand Planner

Bolingbrook, IL

$77K - $110K/yr

Partner with Merchandise Financial Planning and Inventory teams to evaluate forecasts and order ... associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be ...

Ulta Beauty

Demand Planner

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$77K - $110K/yr

Partner with Merchandise Financial Planning and Inventory teams to evaluate forecasts and order ... associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Demand Planner

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$77.60 - $110/hr

Partner with Merchandise Financial Planning and Inventory teams to evaluate forecasts and order ... associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Manager

Chicago, IL

$51K - $63K/yr

As a Manager, Assortment Planning at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll provide guidance ... Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for ...

ULINE

Associate Supply Planner

Glenview, IL · On-site

Associate Supply Planner Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Stay ... Support new product launches by reviewing demand history and collaborating with Merchandising to ...

Claire's

Associate, Buyer (Hybrid)

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Description The Associate Buyer will support Merchants to curate commercial, global, trend-right ... Planning, ISP and other merchandising partners to collaborate on seasonal buying process * Expert ...

Ulta Beauty

Manager Inventory Planning

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Collaborate with Merchandise Planning and Demand Planning teams to incorporate forecasts ... associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL

... associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role, you'll ... Plan and implement monthly Sales Planners Your Skills and Experience: * Prior retail and management ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role, you'll ... Plan and implement monthly Sales Planners Your Skills and Experience: * Prior retail and management ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

... associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role, you'll ... Plan and implement monthly Sales Planners Your Skills and Experience: * Prior retail and management ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Manager

Naperville, IL

$49K - $61K/yr

... associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role, you'll ... Plan and implement monthly Sales Planners Your Skills and Experience: * Prior retail and management ...

Claire's

Sr. Associate, Visual Merchandising

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

... merchandise strategies. Key Responsibilities: • Support the creation of effective visual displays ... and planning to ensure accurate product implementation and realistic floor sets from concept ...

Ulta Beauty

Merchandise Manager

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... planning, and individual development plans to enable continuous development and drive sales ...

New

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Merchandise Manager

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... planning, and individual development plans to enable continuous development and drive sales ...

New

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Merchandise Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

The MM guides a team of Task Associates and is accountable for supporting the operations of a ... planning, and individual development plans to enable continuous development and drive sales ...

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All JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL

Associate Merchandise Planner information

See Bolingbrook, IL salary details

$58.3K

$69.7K

$85K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in Bolingbrook, IL is $69,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $73,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Bolingbrook, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Bolingbrook, IL are:

What cities near Bolingbrook, IL are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs?

Cities near Bolingbrook, IL with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:

Associate Merchandise Planner jobs near you

Merchandise Planning Manager

AKIRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.
AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
The Position: Merchandise Planning Manager
Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite
Position Summary:
AKIRA is seeking a strategic, results-driven Planning Manager to lead merchandise financial planning across multiple categories and channels. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while supporting the company's rapid growth.
The Planning Manager partners closely with Merchandising to influence assortment strategy, pricing, and inventory flow. This individual owns forecasting, open-to-buy, and in-season trade decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, requiring strong analytical skills, agility, and sound financial judgment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Ownership
  • Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
  • Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
  • Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with AKIRA's growth roadmap.
  • Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through

Inventory & Channel Optimization
  • Architect inventory flow strategies that support frequent newness launches and dynamic markdown cadence.
  • Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing frameworks.
  • Improve inventory productivity metrics (WOS, sell-through, turn) through disciplined open-to-buy management and lifecycle planning.
  • Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.

Advanced Forecasting & Analytics
  • Build and refine forecasting models incorporating trend, velocity, and lifecycle analysis.
  • Develop executive-level reporting and dashboards that create transparency and accountability.
  • Champion planning systems enhancements and process optimization.

Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership
  • Serve as a strategic partner to DMM/Directors and Buyers to align financial targets with assortment vision.
  • Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and inventory investment planning.
  • Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen.

Qualifications
  • 7-10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).
  • Proven success operating in a fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound financial decisions under tight timelines.
  • Strong executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership.
  • Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.
  • Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

Success Metrics
  • Achievement and acceleration of sales and gross margin targets.
  • Improved inventory turn and reduced markdown exposure despite high volume of launches.
  • Increased forecast accuracy and inventory flow precision.
  • Successful execution of omnichannel inventory strategies.
  • Elevated planning processes and team performance.

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Planning Role Merchandise Planning Manager Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $130,000 - $160,000 Employment type Full-time

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