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Merchandise Demand Planner Jobs in Springfield, MO

Bass Pro Shops

Merchandise Planner

Springfield, MO · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will plan, forecast and manage sales, margin, inventory, receipts and turn ... Creates demand plans for all products. Aligns tops down financial plans with bottoms up SKU/Style ...

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Merchandise Demand Planner information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$30K

$69.9K

$101K

How much do merchandise demand planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise demand planner in Springfield, MO is $69,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges merchandise demand planners face, and how can they prepare for them?

Merchandise Demand Planners often encounter challenges such as forecasting inaccuracies due to rapidly changing market trends, unforeseen supply chain disruptions, and balancing inventory levels to avoid overstock or stockouts. To prepare for these challenges, successful planners stay updated on market analytics, maintain strong communication with buying, marketing, and supply chain teams, and utilize advanced forecasting tools. Building flexibility into plans and proactively monitoring key metrics also help in adapting quickly to unexpected changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise demand planner?

To thrive as a Merchandise Demand Planner, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in forecasting, and a background in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with demand planning software, advanced Excel, and ERP systems like SAP or Oracle is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate inventory management, effective collaboration with teams, and optimal product availability to meet business goals.

What is the difference between Merchandise Demand Planner vs Merchandise Buyer?

AspectMerchandise Demand PlannerMerchandise Buyer
Primary RoleForecasts product demand to optimize inventory levelsSelects and purchases products to meet customer demand
Skills & CertificationsData analysis, forecasting, supply chain knowledgeNegotiation, vendor relations, market research
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with supply chain and sales teamsWorks closely with vendors and merchandising teams
Industry UsageRetail, apparel, consumer goodsRetail, apparel, consumer goods

The Merchandise Demand Planner focuses on analyzing data to predict product demand, ensuring optimal inventory levels. In contrast, the Merchandise Buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing products based on market trends and vendor negotiations. Both roles are essential in retail operations and often work together to meet customer needs efficiently.

What is a merchandise demand planner?

Merchandise Demand Planners are professionals responsible for forecasting customer demand to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities. They analyze sales trends, inventory levels, and market data to develop accurate demand plans. Their work helps businesses optimize inventory, reduce excess stock, and improve profitability by aligning supply with consumer demand. Merchandise Demand Planners often collaborate with buyers, supply chain teams, and suppliers to make informed purchasing and replenishment decisions.
What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Demand Planner jobs in Springfield, MO? For Merchandise Demand Planner jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Merchandise Demand Planner jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Merchandise Demand Planner job openings:
Merchandise Demand Planner jobs near you

Merchandise Planner

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Bass Pro Shops rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 431 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Planner will plan, forecast and manage sales, margin, inventory, receipts and turn for retail and direct business for financial and demand components. Key responsibilities are to maximize sales, gross profit, inventory turns, minimize markdowns, and manage the open to buy with accurate monthly sales, receipt and margin forecasts for specific categories by analyzing financials, market, and customer data. They will partner with the Merchant on strategies, plans, opportunities and risks for their area of responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Builds annual financial sales, gross margin and inventory plans at a monthly level, by season which ties to the companies' budgeted sales, gross margin and turn goals. Creates demand plans for all products. Aligns tops down financial plans with bottoms up SKU/Style demand forecasts.
  • Create department financial plans and bottoms up demand plans to achieve or exceed financial goals.
  • Manage open to buy reports accurately forecasting sales, gross margin, receipts and inventory at a Merchant/Sub Department level.
  • Develop and maintain demand forecasts for all products. Maintain promotional demand forecasts at the item level.
  • Review demand trends and adjusts forecast to maintain alignment with financial forecast. Recognize trends or patterns and adjusts forecasts as necessary.
  • Ensure accurate receipt forecasts by week/month and provide insight to Inventory Management on components to adjust for optimal receipt investment.
  • Collaborate during consensus demand meetings with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment on forecasts.
  • Partner with Merchant on seasonal/annual business strategies and weekly/monthly business reviews to identify opportunities and risks and support needed.
  • Quantify in-season risks and opportunities and confidently make recommendations based on facts.
  • Build and develop relationships with Merchants and Inventory Management partners to achieve financial results for area of responsibility and total company.
  • All other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree, in Supply Chain, Business, Finance or related field.
3 years of experience in retail environment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:
  • Proficient PC skills, including MS Office Suite and advanced Excel
  • Understanding of retail math components
  • Aptitude to analyze data to identify trends, issues and opportunities
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication skills at multiple levels within the organization including senior management
  • Ability to present business strategies and action plans to cross functional groups
  • Support an environment that fosters respect for the ideas of others as well as ongoing collaboration to execute business strategy
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and remain detailed oriented.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Regularly sits and does computer work.
Occasionally walks, and stands.
Seldom/Never lifts up to 50 lbs.
INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
Performs duties within scope of general company policies, procedures, and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs needs assessments. Uses judgment in adapting broad guidelines to achieve desired result. Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures, and practices.
Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Voluntary benefits
  • 401k Retirement Savings
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick time
  • Bass Pro Cares Fund
  • And more!

Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.
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