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Manager Of Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

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:

Home Depot

MGR ONLINE MERCH SOLUTIONS

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Manager of Merchandise Planning, HDD will be responsible for execution of assortment reviews and analyzing online programs and trends. This individual will drive promotion, pricing ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the ... Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown ...

MyEyeDr.

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Support the development and ongoing management of merchandise financial plans, including sales ... Support enhancements to planning tools, reporting processes, and data accuracy * Identify ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the ... Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the ... Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the ... Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown ...

Rothy's

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

Merchandise Planner San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and ... You'll also support the Planning Manager of Growth Areas to shape company-wide plans and forecasts.

The Container Store Inc.

Merchandise Planner

Coppell, TX · On-site

... planning process for assigned departments or categories. Working under the direction of a Senior Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Planning Manager, or Director, the Merchandise Planner develops and ...

The Container Store

Merchandise Planner

Coppell, TX

$69K - $107K/yr

... planning process for assigned departments or categories. Working under the direction of a Senior Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Planning Manager, or Director, the Merchandise Planner develops and ...

PetSmart

Merchandise Planner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

Own the end-to-end management of merchandise and financial planning, including the optimization of inventory investments across life cycle pricing, in-stock and service levels, and seasonal ...

C3 Industries

Merchandise Planner

Hartford, CT

None JOB REQUIREMENTS : * 3-5 years of merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail analytics experience, preferably in cannabis, CPG, or specialty retail. * Strong analytical skills with ...

Nautica

Associate Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

... of Merchandise Planning or related financial/analytical experience Business knowledge of retail, merchandising and price optimization concepts Readily grasps numerical concepts and interprets ...

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Manager Of Merchandise Planning information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do manager of merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager of merchandise planning in the United States is $97,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchandise planner's salary?

A merchandise planner's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior or specialized planners can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 with additional bonuses or benefits.

What is the difference between Manager Of Merchandise Planning vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectManager Of Merchandise PlanningMerchandise Planner
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Retail, or related field; experience in merchandise planningSimilar educational background; often requires experience in planning roles
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, develops strategies, collaborates with vendors and cross-functional teamsFocuses on data analysis, inventory management, and executing plans
Employer & Industry UsageRetail companies, department stores, e-commerceRetail, apparel, consumer goods industries

The Manager Of Merchandise Planning leads planning teams and develops strategies, while the Merchandise Planner focuses on executing inventory plans and analyzing sales data. Both roles require similar skills and work in retail environments, but the manager has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What does a merchandise planning manager do?

A merchandise planning manager oversees the development and execution of sales forecasts, inventory plans, and product assortments to meet business goals. They analyze sales data, coordinate with buying and marketing teams, and use planning tools to ensure optimal stock levels and product availability. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail systems are essential for this role.

How much do planning managers get paid?

Planning managers, such as merchandise planning managers, typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require strong analytical skills and proficiency with planning tools like SAP or Oracle to succeed in their roles.

What is the highest paying merchandiser job?

The highest paying merchandiser roles are typically senior or executive positions such as Director of Merchandising or Vice President of Merchandising, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles often require extensive experience, strategic planning skills, and leadership responsibilities within retail or manufacturing companies.
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Manager Of Merchandise Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Of Merchandise Planning job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Merchandise Planning Manager

Merchandise Planning Manager

AKIRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 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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