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Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Merchandise Planner is a key member of the planning, merchandising and sales organization, responsible for developing and executing seasonal buying strategies, managing open-to-buy and pre-season ...

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 it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic ...

CITITRENDS is seeking a data-driven, strategic Merchandise Planner who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and knows how to turn insights into action. This role is critical to driving business ...

Description Merchandise Planner About Our Company Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US and ...

The Merchandise Planner will gather necessary data and analysis to create efficient inventory plans and analyze in-season and historical data for future planning. The Merchandise Planner will create ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

The Role: The Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our merchandise assortment, focusing on maximizing sales and profitability. As the first hire in our planning ...

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 it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic ...

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Merchandise Planning, the Merchandise Planner will own financial forecasting and in-season strategies, proactively identifying risks and opportunities to maximize revenue ...

Merchandise Planner QVC GroupWest Chester, Ohio Working at QVC Group means joining a live social shopping company with incredible teams, ambitious projects and amazing careers. QVC Group, Inc. is a ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans that support the company's financial, product, and marketing objectives; responsible for driving top ...

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans that support the company's financial, product, and marketing objectives; responsible for driving top ...

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans that support the company's financial, product, and marketing objectives; responsible for driving top ...

Merchandise Planner

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Job Title Merchandise Planner Location Support Center - Las Vegas, NV 89119 US (Primary) Job Type Full-time Category Planning & Allocation Education Join our Support Center and be a pivotal resource ...

Merchandise Planner

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Merchandise Planner supports the development and execution of merchandise sales, inventory, and margin strategies to drive business performance and achieve corporate financial goals. This role ...

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

We are looking for a detail-oriented, analytical, and strategic Merchandise Planner to manage inventory, optimize product mix, and drive profitability across our High Profile Cannabis Shop retail ...

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Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise 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.

How much do merchandise planners make in the US?

In the United States, merchandise planners typically earn an average salary of around $65,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior or specialized merchandise planners can earn over $100,000 annually, especially in large retail or fashion companies. Compensation often includes bonuses and benefits related to inventory management and sales forecasting skills.

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.

What is the role of a merchandise planner?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use planning tools to optimize product assortments and maximize profitability.

What is the highest paying merchandiser job?

The highest paying merchandiser roles are often senior or executive positions such as Merchandising Director or Vice President of Merchandising, which can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, strategic planning skills, and leadership abilities within retail or consumer goods companies.

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 a merchandise planner job?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory plans to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use tools like spreadsheets and planning software to optimize stock levels and maximize sales profitability.

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 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.

What are merchandise planners?

Merchandise planners are professionals responsible for forecasting, planning, and managing the inventory levels of products in retail or e-commerce businesses. They analyze sales data, market trends, and customer demand to determine the right mix and quantity of products to purchase and stock. Merchandise planners work closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to ensure products are available at the right time, in the right place, and at optimal inventory levels to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.
What cities are hiring for Merchandise Planner jobs? Cities with the most Merchandise Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planner jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planner jobs are:
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What states have the most Merchandise Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchandise Planner jobs include:

Merchandise Planner

Emerging Blue Jobs

New York, NY

$90/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are searching for a Merchandise Planner for our apparel client. The Merchandise Planner is a key member of the planning, merchandising and sales organization, responsible for developing and executing seasonal buying strategies, managing open-to-buy and pre-season budgets, and identifying opportunities for optimizing inventory across channels. This role bridges buying, merchandising, and analytics — ensuring the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to drive sell-through and profitability.
Responsibilities
Buying & Assortment Planning
  • Develop and execute seasonal buying plans built from bottoms-up rollups, aligned with brand strategy and sales targets
  • Manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets across categories to maximize sell-through and minimize excess inventory
  • Partner with sales, design, and brand teams to curate an assortment that reflect customer profiles and market trends
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for in-season buys, replenishments, and discount strategies
Merchandising
  • Analyze sales performance, margin, and sell-through data to inform assortment decisions and future planning
  • Collaborate with sales to develop compelling product presentations and line sheets for wholesale accounts
  • Monitor competitive landscape and retail trends to ensure the assortment remains market-relevant
  • Support the development of markdown and promotional strategies to clear slow-moving inventory
  • Coordinate product availability timelines with sales to align on delivery windows and launch calendars

Inventory Management
  • Develop and manage replenishment strategies for core and continuity programs
  • Coordinate with warehouse, logistics, and operations teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely order fulfillment
  • Manage transfer order creation and inventory receipt reconciliation in NetSuite, serving as the internal point of accountability for system accuracy across the supply chain
Reporting & Analytics
  • Build and maintain weekly, monthly, and seasonal reporting on sell-through, revenue, OTB, and account performance
  • Present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional partners
  • Develop forecasts and scenario plans to support buying decisions and financial target-setting
  • Track KPIs against plan and communicate variances with clear action plans
  • Leverage AI and analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Claude) to create scalable reporting frameworks
What Success Looks Like
  • Timely and trusted reporting for cross-functional partners who rely on your dashboards and recaps to make decisions
  • Clear and proactive communication with cross-functional partners ensuring all teams are aligned on risks, opportunities, and execution priorities
  • Forecasts are accurate and inventory receipts align closely with demand, reducing costly surprises
  • Buying decisions are data-driven — assortment choices are backed by clear sell-through, margin, and trend analysis
  • Cross-functional partners want to work with you — sales, ops, and finance see you as a strategic asset, not just a numbers person
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in wholesale planning, merchandise planning or a related retail planning role
  • NetSuite experience along with wholesale order management platforms (e.g., NuOrder)
  • Experience managing open-to-buy budgets and working within structured planning cycles
  • Strong understanding of in-season inventory management, including sell-through, weeks of supply, and inventory flow
  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic modeling); experience with planning or BI tools a plus
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with Planning, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Production teams
  • Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership


Salary Range $90-100K