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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Madison, WI

6AM City

Assistant Store Manager

Madison, WI

Supervising Store Associates to include interviewing, hiring, motivating, coaching, training ... Business Analysis and Merchandise Planning Initiatives to include driving department profitability ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Janesville, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty

Task Associate

Janesville, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Madison, WI

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Madison, WI

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty

Task Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Janesville, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Task Associate

Madison, WI

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

Ulta Beauty

Task Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ... planned and product is available for purchase. * Meet compliance and execution goals related to ...

CROSSMARK1

Retail Merchandiser -PT

Madison, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

In business for more than 100 years, CROSSMARK employs more than 20,000 associates worldwide in ... Engage every work day with CROSSMARK'S communication tools for the purpose of accurately planning ...

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All JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner JobsAssociate Merchandise Planner Jobs in Madison, WI

Associate Merchandise Planner information

See Madison, WI salary details

$59.5K

$71K

$86.7K

How much do associate merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate merchandise planner in Madison, WI is $70,981.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $75,100.00 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:
Associate Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Merchandise Planner job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,981 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Associate Inventory Planner- Lands' End School Outfitters

Lands' End

Dodgeville, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Lands' End rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • Develop, execute, and communicate demand forecasts and inventory plans for assigned lower complexity categories, programs, customers, or business segments. 
  • Support inventory strategies that align with customer service goals, account needs, merchandising strategies, sales objectives, and financial plans. 
  • Deliver pre-season projections, inventory recommendations, and early commit needs for assigned areas. 
  • Analyze historical sales, demand, productivity, service levels, inventory performance, and current trends to identify risks and opportunities.  
  • Recommend inventory actions that support sales, customer service, margin, fill rate, inventory turn, and GMROI goals. 
  • Monitor in-season business performance and update forecasts, inventory plans, and action steps in planning systems. 
  • Recap and analyze key financial and inventory metrics versus plan, forecast, and prior year. 
  • Partner with Sales, Program Management, Merchandising, and Sourcing to understand customer needs, account strategies, enrollment trends, product lifecycle, and selling expectations. 
  • Support inventory decisions related to buy timing, replenishment, product lifecycle, liability, and service risk. 
  • Communicate business results, forecasts, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions to manager and cross-functional partners. 
  • Actively evaluate business results and recommend action steps to support achievement of plan. 
  • Participate in seasonal planning, in-season business reviews, and key cross-functional meetings as appropriate.

Skills and Competencies  

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to connect inventory decisions to customer service, sales, margin, and inventory productivity. 
  • Clear understanding of financial and inventory measurements, including sales, gross margin, GMROI, inventory turn, weeks on hand, weeks of supply, fill rate, and service levels. 
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel required 
  • Experience with planning, ERP, and reporting tools such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP CAR, o9 Solutions, Oracle Retail, Power BI, or similar platforms preferred. 
  • Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with peers and cross-functional teams. 
  • Strong listening, written, and verbal communication skills. 
  • Able to present business updates, risks, opportunities, and action plans clearly. 
  • Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities. 
  • Able to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines. 
  • Demonstrates proficiency in core responsibilities and routine planning tasks. 
  • Works independently on routine responsibilities and requires limited supervision. 
  • Contributes to team projects and collaborates effectively with peers 

Education and Experience Requirements  

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Merchandising, Analytics, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 
  • 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in inventory planning, demand planning, retail/business analysis, supply chain, merchandising, or related field preferred.

Physical Requirements  

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time 
  • Rare lifting up to 35 pounds. 

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