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Merchandise Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Merchandise Planning Manager leads a team of Merchandise Planners, providing coaching, development, and oversight while ensuring consistent execution of merchandise planning processes and ...

The Merchandise Planning Manager leads a team of Merchandise Planners, providing coaching, development, and oversight while ensuring consistent execution of merchandise planning processes and ...

Tying back to the top-down merchandise financial plan to the Department and Category level, which ... Partnering with Merchandise Planning to ensure plans and inventory management activities are ...

Merchandise Manager

Chesapeake, VA

$43K - $53K/yr

As a Manager, Assortment Planning at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll provide guidance ... Tying back to the top-down merchandise financial plan to the Department and Category level, which ...

You'll develop valuable skills in merchandise planning, vendor relations, assortment management, trend analysis, and retail strategy. If you're ready to grow your merchandising career and make an ...

As an Assortment Planner at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll partner closely with Category Directors and Merchants to define and optimize our product assortment strategy. Using strong ...

As an Assortment Planner at Dollar Tree's corporate office, you'll partner closely with Category Directors and Merchants to define and optimize our product assortment strategy. Using strong ...

Planner Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of potential future contract awards. Qualified candidates may be considered for upcoming opportunities supporting federal government ...

Planner Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of potential future contract awards. Qualified candidates may be considered for upcoming opportunities supporting federal government ...

... Your merchandise planning, assortment planning, and category management experience along with your market and trend analysis experience make you a great fit for our DT Category Merchant position.

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Showing results 1-20

Merchandise Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$76.2K

$110K

How much do merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planner in Virginia is $76,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $88,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchandise planner?

A merchandise planner follows trends in product inventory to ensure that retail stores have the right amount of stock. Job duties include analyzing sales data to inform merchandising decisions, collaborating with the company buyer, interpreting past sales to identify trends, determining how much of an item to have in stock, and maximizing sales. You need a mathematical mind and strong analytical skills to be successful in this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, proficiency in demand forecasting, and a solid understanding of retail math, often supported by a degree in business, finance, or merchandising. Familiarity with planning software such as Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, along with advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and responding to market trends. These competencies ensure inventory is optimized, sales targets are met, and profitability is maximized in a dynamic retail environment.

How does a merchandise planner typically collaborate with buyers and inventory teams to ensure optimal product availability?

Merchandise Planners work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, forecast demand, and develop assortment strategies that align with business goals. They also partner with inventory teams to monitor stock levels, identify potential shortages or surpluses, and adjust replenishment plans accordingly. This collaboration helps ensure that the right products are available at the right time, reducing markdowns and maximizing sales opportunities. Regular meetings and open communication between these teams are essential for responding quickly to market trends and customer preferences.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planner vs Inventory Analyst?

AspectMerchandise PlannerInventory Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Retail, or related field; experience in retail planningBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentRetail companies, fashion brands, department storesRetail, manufacturing, distribution centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by retail and apparel companies to plan product assortment and salesUsed across retail and supply chain sectors to monitor inventory levels

The main difference is that a Merchandise Planner focuses on developing sales forecasts and planning product assortments, while an Inventory Analyst concentrates on managing and optimizing inventory levels to prevent stockouts or overstock. Both roles require analytical skills and are essential in retail operations, but they serve different functions within the supply chain and sales planning process.

How much do merchandise planners get paid?

Merchandise planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced planners or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and proficiency in inventory management software is valuable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia?

For Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planner jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Merchandise Planner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Merchandise Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,233 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Merchandise Planner Manager

Dollar Tree

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$105K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Dollar Tree rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 2,530 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

General Summary
The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for developing and executing merchandise financial plans that support the Company's sales, margin, and inventory objectives. This role partners closely with Merchandising leadership to provide financial analysis, strategic recommendations, and inventory planning that drive profitable growth. The Merchandise Planning Manager leads a team of Merchandise Planners, providing coaching, development, and oversight while ensuring consistent execution of merchandise planning processes and alignment with company objectives.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Merchandise Planning Managers provide leadership, training, and direction to Merchandise Planners while serving as subject matter experts for merchandise planning processes. In partnership with Merchandising leadership, they develop financial strategies, manage inventory investments, identify business opportunities, and ensure execution of planning activities that support company goals.
Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Merchandise Planners.
  • Inspire the team to achieve company and category objectives.
  • Model Company values and leadership behaviors.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven culture.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve processes and planning effectiveness.
  • Manage team performance, training, succession planning, and talent development.
  • Support recruiting, hiring, and retention efforts.

Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Lead the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process to ensure inventory investments align with financial plans.
  • Develop and manage pre-season and in-season sales, margin, inventory, and purchase plans.
  • Analyze financial performance to identify risks, opportunities, and recommend appropriate actions.
  • Review historical trends and financial targets to support assortment planning decisions.
  • Oversee markdown planning and recommend strategies to optimize inventory productivity and profitability.
  • Monitor sales, margin, inventory, and forecasting performance, adjusting plans as business conditions change.
  • Partner with Buyers, Allocators, Replenishment Buyers, and senior leadership to execute financial plans.
  • Lead weekly business reviews and communicate financial performance, key risks, and action plans.
  • Ensure planning activities are completed accurately and within established timelines.

Business Partnership & Strategy
  • Partner with Merchandising leadership to develop category strategies that support sales and profitability goals.
  • Provide financial insights and recommendations to influence key merchandising decisions.
  • Champion best practices and continuous improvement across merchandise planning processes.

Position Requirements
  • Experience using merchandise planning and retail ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Retail, Blue Yonder, or similar).
  • Demonstrated ability to develop financial plans, sales forecasts, inventory strategies, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans.
  • Strong knowledge of retail financial metrics, including sales, margin, inventory turnover, GMROI, and markdown optimization.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, and Finance.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional partners and support executive decision-making.

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
  • Three (3) or more years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, retail merchandising, or a related analytical role.
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial results.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.

Projected Salary Range
$105,000-$118,500
Family Dollar is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to any protected status. Family Dollar is also committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Full time
510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320
FP&A
Family Dollar

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About Dollar Tree

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, we put value front and center for our customers. We do this by providing our customers with quality merchandise, amazing values, convenience, and a fun shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the hunt at Dollar Tree or shopping for your favorite brands at Family Dollar, you’re sure to find savings on a great selection of merchandise in our stores.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesapeake, VA, US