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Associate Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast ... Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits ...

About the Team Our Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A) teams are the driving forces behind ... In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote "flex day" (with leader approval)

About The Role The Merchandise Planner plays a key role in the pro-active management of the ... Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Associate Allocation Planner

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$63.70K - $78.65K/yr

The Associate Allocation Planner will play a key role in supporting allocation execution, analyzing ... Allocate merchandise based on strategies and performance at the class, size, and price levels ...

The Associate Allocation Planner will play a key role in supporting allocation execution, analyzing ... Allocate merchandise based on strategies and performance at the class, size, and price levels ...

Associate Allocation Planner

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$63.70K - $78.65K/yr

The Associate Allocation Planner will play a key role in supporting allocation execution, analyzing ... Allocate merchandise based on strategies and performance at the class, size, and price levels ...

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Associate Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$59K

$70.4K

$86K

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.

More about Associate Merchandise Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs? Cities with the most Associate Merchandise Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs? The top employers for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Merchandise Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchandise Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchandise Planner jobs are:
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.
Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner

Bath and Body Works

Reynoldsburg, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Bath & Body Works rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Bath & Body Works

Based on 675 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.2

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.2 out of 10

National retailers average

Based on 92,973 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Bath & Body Works

  • 89%

    89% of students say it’s good

    of students say it’s good

  • 86%

    86% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 80%

    80% say they can take breaks without interruption

    say they can take breaks without interruption

Featured by Bath & Body Works, based on 675 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

At Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. We focus on recruiting, retaining, and advancing top talent. In addition, we work to improve our communities and our planet to help the world live more fully.

The Merchandise Planner for Bath & Body Works is responsible for the planning/forecasting of product merchandising categories. Generates and analyzes statistical data, and analyzes and revises the financial plans in support of the business initiatives and budget objectives. Reports to Manager, Merchandise Planning. No direct reports.

Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and communicate Omni Channel financial plans and distributing topline to both Stores & Direct Channels, assortment architecture, pricing and promotions, merchandise plans, margin targets, exit strategies, timing, planning calendar.
  • Maintain SKU-level forecasts that are updated monthly or more frequently based on business needs, inclusive of units, sales dollars, and margin. Identifies trend changes and impacts to business.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners on launch & reactive buys.
  • Work with Central Planning in identifying targets for pre-season and in-season.
  • Present business trends and forecasts to management in weekly business reviews.
  • Develop long-term forecasts to act as the basis for seasonal architecture to meet business needs.
  • Review and provide seasonal hindsight for cross-functional team.
  • Actively pursue growth and development opportunities, continually finding ways to improve.
  • Communicate openly and directly; accept responsibility and champion ideas despite challenges.
  • Adaptable to change, trying new things as needed, and demonstrating flexibility.
  • Encourage innovation, creativity, and risk-taking through influence in teams.
  • Cultivate the ability to work effectively under stressful and changing circumstances.
  • Foster teamwork by being a valued teammate and building good relationships across functional and division lines.
  • Set high personal performance standards that deliver results, convey a sense of imperativeness and enthusiasm for the business, and help achieve objectives despite obstacles or opposition.
  • Five (5) or more years of relevant experience required
  • Demonstrated track record of being an effective partner and teammate across multiple departments
  • Organized with strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide deliverables in a timely manner
  • Expert technical skill proficiency using Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Expert technical skill proficiency using MSI tools preferred; other retail planning systems experience
  • Two years of catalogue, internet or stores retail experience
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, operations, economics, business, statistics, or equivalent experience.

Core Competencies

  • Lead with Curiosity & Humility
  • Build High Performing Teams for Today & Tomorrow
  • Influence & Inspire with Vision & Purpose
  • Observe, Engage & Connect
  • Strive to Achieve Operational Excellence
  • Deliver Business Results

Benefits

Bath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That's why we're proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter. Benefits for eligible associates include: 

  • Robust medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.
  • 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase with discount
  • No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Opportunity for paid time off and paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including a family building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto and pet insurance.
  • Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs
  • 40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses!

Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: Los Angeles Fair Chance In Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual's race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning nondiscriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, associate activities and general treatment during employment. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

Application window will close when all vacancy/vacancies are filled.


Working at Bath & Body Works

Perks for frontline workers

From Bath & Body Works, via Breakroom

  • On-demand access to your earned wages through DailyPay

  • Health coverage - including medical, vision and dental available for all associates

  • No-cost mental health and wellbeing support

  • 40% associate discount

  • Care benefits with unlimited access to the leading network through Care.com

  • Fun stores

About Bath & Body Works, in their own words

From Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, driven by the belief that everybody deserves to feel good.

The brand’s beloved and iconic scents are expertly crafted for exceptional performance and a luxury fragrance experience. Formulated with thoughtfully chosen ingredients, Bath & Body Works’ body care products are available in multiple forms including fine fragrance mist, body cream, lotion, eau de parfum, body wash, hand soap, sanitizer and more. The brand’s famous 3-wick candles are made with rich, high quality fragrance oils layered throughout a premium soy wax base, for up to 45 hours of room-filling fragrance.

Consumers can shop Bath & Body Works anytime and anywhere they choose, from welcoming, in-store experiences at more than 1,900 stores in the U.S. and Canada, 500-plus international locations, online at bathandbodyworks.com and on Amazon.

Company values

From Bath & Body Works

  • Be Consumer-Obsessed
  • Be Generous
  • Be United
  • Be Accountable
  • Be Courageous

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Bath & Body Works

We approach our culture of belonging through a company-wide strategy that infuses engagement into our culture to promote our business, our associates and support the communities we serve.

We work to take a thoughtful, sustainable approach with expectations to deliver the highest quality products and service with integrity from our leaders and associates.

We've formed Business Resource Groups (BRGs) for our associates to connect with one another and to collaborate on ways to cultivate a welcoming workplace. These groups provide professional development, support the needs of the business, help shape the culture of our company and volunteer in the communities we serve.


What Bath & Body Works employees say

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