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Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MINISO USA

Merchandise Planning Manager

West Covina, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for merchandise planning and inventory management across assigned product categories, while also directly owning planning responsibilities for a ...

MINISO USA

Merchandise Planning Manager

West Covina, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Job Summary The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for merchandise planning and inventory management across assigned product categories, while also directly owning planning responsibilities ...

MINISO USA

Merchandise Planning Manager

West Covina, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Job Summary The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for merchandise planning and inventory management across assigned product categories, while also directly owning planning responsibilities ...

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 · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

RUE GILT GROUPE

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Boston, NY · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

Merchandise Planning Analyst Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required) Approved Salary Range: $50,000- $55,000 About the Role : As a Planning Analyst you will utilize data ...

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Merchandise Planning information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Merchandise Planning Manager

MINISO USA

West Covina, CA • On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for merchandise planning and inventory management across assigned product categories, while also directly owning planning responsibilities for a smaller category. This role focuses on driving sales and profitability through strategic merchandise planning, open-to-buy management, inventory forecasting, and performance analysis. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and planning expertise, proven leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions. This role includes the direct management of a team of planners. The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for coaching, developing, and guiding their team to achieve performance goals, enhance skillsets, and support career growth within the organization.


  • Drive sales and inventory strategies across assigned categories, while also personally managing merchandise planning for a smaller product category.
  • Own the open-to-buy process, ensuring optimal inventory levels to support sales, margin, and inventory turnover goals.
  • Develop financial plans/ladder plans/vendor plans, and partner with buying team in the development of assortment plans.
  • Reforecast in-season plans based on current performance, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending actions to improve results.
  • Risk management is a key responsibility; they must be able to identify and surface business risks (Sales/GM/Inv) and make recommendations to proactively manage the issues.
  • Lead a team of direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching, and support to ensure their professional growth and performance.
  • Contribute to the evolution of planning tools and processes to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making.
  • Develop and manage top-down and bottom-up merchandise plans aligned with strategic business goals and financial targets.
  • Partners with buyers, allocators, and MINISO HQ teams to build pre-season financial plans and detailed style-level forecasts.
  • Provide business insights through regular pre-, in-, and post-season analysis, identifying key drivers and implementing learnings for future planning cycles.
  • Evaluate performance at the product level to inform decisions on reorders, cancellations, or inventory shifts.
  • Collaborate with MINISO HQ to deliver accurate seasonal and long-range forecasts that support production and delivery timelines.
  • Support the DMM with leadership and organization of ad hoc projects across the division. Must be proficient in quickly delivering accurate analysis, which is both actionable and presentable to senior levels of management.
  • Lead role in the presentation of financial plans/assortment plans, and OTB. Must be comfortable presenting and speaking to their business to senior levels of management.

  • Strong analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills and proficiency with retail math.
  • Experience managing and developing direct reports.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Prior experience working with planning and inventory systems preferred.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to use sales financial data to make decisions and maximize profitability.
  • Ability to maintain highly effective working relationships with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including ability to influence and negotiate effectively.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or equivalent experience in related discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years of merchandise planning experience in a retail environment.

USD $90,000.00 - USD $129,000.00 /Yr.

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