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Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

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 ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL

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 ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

MyEyeDr.

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Vienna, VA · On-site

Description About the role The Merchandise Planning Analyst supports merchandise planning and inventory optimization efforts across MyEyeDr.'s retail network. This position is responsible for ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

Clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA · On-site

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the region, managing sales and inventory activities by setting SKU sales targets, maintaining a bottoms-up ...

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All JobsMerchandise Planning Jobs

Merchandise Planning information

See salary details

$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 merchandise planning?

Merchandise planning is the process used by retailers and brands to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, place, and quantity to meet customer demand while maximizing sales and minimizing markdowns. It involves forecasting sales, managing inventory, and developing buying strategies based on historical data and market trends. Effective merchandise planning helps businesses achieve financial goals, improve stock efficiency, and respond quickly to changes in consumer preferences.

What are some common challenges faced in Merchandise Planning and how can they be addressed?

Merchandise Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as forecasting demand accurately, balancing inventory levels, and adapting to rapidly changing consumer trends. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging data analytics tools, maintaining close collaboration with buying and sales teams, and regularly reviewing sales performance to make timely adjustments. Additionally, strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring that inventory decisions support both short-term goals and long-term business objectives.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning vs Inventory Planning?

AspectMerchandise PlanningInventory Planning
FocusDeveloping strategies for product assortment, assortment mix, and sales forecastsManaging stock levels, replenishment, and stock turnover
ResponsibilitiesSelecting products, analyzing sales trends, and planning merchandise assortmentsMonitoring inventory levels, reducing stockouts, and optimizing stock costs
Skills & CredentialsAnalytical skills, retail industry knowledge, forecasting experienceData analysis, supply chain understanding, inventory management certifications

While both roles involve planning and analysis within retail, Merchandise Planning focuses on product assortment and sales forecasting, whereas Inventory Planning centers on stock levels and replenishment strategies. Understanding these differences helps retailers optimize both product offerings and inventory efficiency.

What is the role of merchandise planning?

Merchandise planning involves analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and managing inventory to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place. It helps optimize sales and profitability by aligning product assortment with customer preferences and market trends. Merchandise planners often use tools like spreadsheets and planning software to coordinate with buying and marketing teams.

What is the highest paying merchandiser job?

Senior merchandise planners and category managers typically earn the highest salaries within merchandise planning roles, often reaching six-figure incomes with experience and advanced skills in data analysis and inventory management. These positions usually require strong analytical abilities, industry knowledge, and sometimes certifications like CPM or CSM.

How much do merchandise planners make in the US?

Merchandise planners in the US typically earn an average salary ranging from $55,000 to $85,000 per year, 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 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 skills, proficiency in forecasting, inventory management, and a background in business or related fields. Familiarity with retail planning software like Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, as well as advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively with buyers, vendors, and cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to optimize inventory levels, maximize sales, and ensure profitability in a dynamic retail environment.

What does a merchandise planner do?

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 stock levels, maximize sales, and minimize excess inventory. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail systems are essential for this role.
More about Merchandise Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchandise Planning jobs? Cities with the most Merchandise Planning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs are:
What states have the most Merchandise Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchandise Planning jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planning jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planning jobs are:
Merchandise Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% 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

Posted 29 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.
Compensation:
At AKIRA, 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.
Job Type: Full-Time
Department Planning Role Merchandise Planning Manager Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $130,000 - $160,000 Employment type Full-time

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