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Merchandise Demand Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Demand Planner drives execution of planning strategy within owned categories, applies ... Drive cross-functional alignment across Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain by ...

* Partner with the Planning leadership and Divisional Managers to develop seasonal merchandise plans that meet sales, margin, and turnover targets. * Present seasonal buying strategies to leadership ...

The Senior Demand Planner drives execution of planning strategy within owned categories, applies ... Drive cross-functional alignment across Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain by ...

The Senior Demand Planner drives execution of planning strategy within owned categories, applies ... Drive cross-functional alignment across Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain by ...

... with Merchandising, Product, Business Planning, Geo and Global teams to optimize business health ... demand and fuel a healthy pull market. This person brings enterprise thinking, sharp analytical ...

Merchandise Planner, Beauty

New York, NY · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

The Merchandise Planner supports the domestic (stores and digital) Beauty business. This role will ... Participate in consensus planning with demand planner; collaborate to drive to "one number" sales ...

Achieve consensus for forecasts by collaborating with merchandising, purchasing, marketing and Supply Chain, Production, Operations, etc. * Partner with the Demand Planner Manager to account for ...

Achieve consensus for forecasts by collaborating with merchandising, purchasing, marketing and Supply Chain, Production, Operations, etc. * Partner with the Demand Planner Manager to account for ...

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Merchandise Demand Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do merchandise demand planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise demand planner in the United States is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $89,000.00 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.
More about Merchandise Demand Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchandise Demand Planner jobs? Cities with the most Merchandise Demand Planner job openings:
What states have the most Merchandise Demand Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchandise Demand Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Merchandise Demand Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Senior Demand Planner drives execution of planning strategy within owned categories, applies and reinforces forecasting approach, drives cross-functional alignment, and develops team capability and members while owning complex planning outcomes. This individual will also coach and develop planners and associates on forecasting, KPI management, and decision-making.

In This Role

  • Develop advanced demand forecasts and define forecasting methodologies across owned categories, proactively identifying risks and opportunities
  • Own a category portfolio contributing 25%+ of total business volume and drive performance against key operational and financial targets
  • Drive KPI performance across forecast accuracy, inventory turns, aged inventory, excess inventory, and product availability; implement corrective actions to improve results
  • Lead category-level promotional and markdown planning strategies while coaching planners on execution effectiveness and business impact
  • Develop and execute risk mitigation and corrective action plans to manage KPIs
  • Lead product lifecycle planning, including end-of-life (EOL) and new product introduction (NPI) strategies, and make recommendations on complex planning decisions
  • Manage purchase order and receipt flow; partner with country managers and international materials teams to identify, escalate, and resolve supply risks
  • Drive cross-functional alignment across Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain by translating business insights into actionable planning strategies
  • Serve as the escalation point for data and system issues and lead continuous improvement initiatives across planning processes, tools, and systems
  • Other duties as assigned, in accordance with training and qualifications
  • Uphold the Core Values and be a valuable member of the Four Hands Team
    • Be open and honest
    • Reach for excellence
    • Act with responsibility
    • Value the whole person
    • Enjoy the journey

Leadership and Team Management 

  • Supervise and lead employee(s), with accountability for performance, development, and delivery outcomes 
  • Provide ongoing coaching, targeted training, and mentorship to develop team members' capabilities, ensuring skills and knowledge align with role expectations and evolving business needs 
  • Monitor team performance, provide constructive feedback, and ensure alignment with company standards and expectations 
  • Promote a positive and collaborative team environment, encouraging employee engagement and teamwork 
  • Foster strong communication within the team, ensuring clarity of roles, expectations, and goals 
  • Identify and address skill gaps or performance issues promptly, implementing development opportunities and support plans as needed 
  • Encourage innovation by involving team members in problem-solving and process improvement initiatives 

Key KPIs

  • Category-Level BOP and EOP Inventory Optimization
  • Sell-Thru
  • Inventory Turn Improvement Across Sub-Categories
  •  Strategic Open to Buy (OTB) Management and Variance Analysis
  • Category-Level SKU Productivity and Rationalization
  • Team Performance Metrics and Development Progress

The Ideal Person

  • 5+ years of experience in planning, inventory management, or buying roles
  • 1+ year of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Merchandising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, D365, SAP) and demand planning tools, with strong Excel skills (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and advanced functions)
  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and familiarity with advanced analytics techniques
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members
  • Excellent analytical skills with a focus on synthesizing data and translating insights into actionable strategies
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of inventory metrics, financial planning, and cross-functional operations
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving process improvements in dynamic environments