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Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Partner with Allocation/Replenishment to optimize initial buys and ongoing replenishment.

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 ... Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing ... Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing ...

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Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager information

See salary details

$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning allocation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning allocation manager 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 does a merchandise planning allocation manager do?

A Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager is responsible for ensuring that the right products are distributed to the right stores in the correct quantities. They analyze sales data, forecast demand, and collaborate with buyers and store managers to optimize inventory levels and maximize sales. This role involves strategic planning, problem-solving, and continuous adjustment of stock allocations to respond to market trends and consumer demand. Effective allocation helps minimize excess inventory and stockouts, ultimately driving profitability for the business.

How does a merchandise planning allocation manager typically collaborate with buying and store operations teams?

A Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager works closely with both buying and store operations teams to ensure the right products reach the right locations at the optimal time. They partner with buyers to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and develop allocation strategies that align with seasonal buying plans. Additionally, they communicate regularly with store operations to understand store-specific needs, manage inventory levels, and address any potential supply chain issues, all while supporting overall sales and profitability goals.

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

To thrive as a Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager, you need strong analytical skills, experience in inventory management, and a background in retail or supply chain, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in planning software such as JDA, SAP, or Oracle Retail, and advanced Excel skills are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you collaborate across teams and respond to market changes. These competencies are crucial for optimizing product allocation, maximizing sales, and ensuring efficient stock management in dynamic retail environments.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectMerchandise Planning Allocation ManagerMerchandise Planner
ResponsibilitiesOversees inventory allocation, manages stock distribution, and coordinates with buying teams to optimize sales and inventory levels.Develops sales forecasts, plans merchandise assortments, and supports inventory management to meet sales targets.
Required SkillsStrong analytical skills, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration.Forecasting, data analysis, and trend identification.
Work EnvironmentTypically in retail or fashion companies, working closely with buying, merchandising, and supply chain teams.In retail or apparel companies, focusing on sales data and product planning.

The Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager focuses on inventory distribution and stock allocation to maximize sales efficiency, while the Merchandise Planner concentrates on sales forecasting and merchandise assortment planning. Both roles require analytical skills and industry experience but differ in scope—one manages inventory allocation, the other manages product planning.

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Cities with the most Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs are:

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For Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Allocation Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham Heights, MA

clarks
Apparel and Accessories Stores • 10K+ employees
Learn more about clarksexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

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 open-to-buy plan, monitoring inventory aging and quality, and providing stock productivity analysis. The ideal candidate blends strong analytical capability with a commercial mindset and collaborative communication skills.

What You'll Do

  • Develop seasonal financial plans by class, department, and channel, including sales, units, margin, and inventory.
  • Build and maintain itemlevel or classlevel forecasts based on historical performance, trends, and merchant strategy.
  • Translate business strategy into monthly and weekly sales plans.
  • Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown risk.
  • Partner with Allocation/Replenishment to optimize initial buys and ongoing replenishment.
  • Identify risks and opportunities related to overstock, shortages, or flow disruptions.
  • Manage the markdown in season and closeout/end-of-life process.
  • Produce style count and SKU productivity targets to govern the region's range selection activity. Monitor performance against these targets and make recommendations to the Merchant team to improve results.
  • Partner with Merchants/Buyers to align assortments and buy quantities with financial goals.
  • Work with Finance on forecasts, reprojections, and inventory investments.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and Allocation to ensure receipts and store/channel flow align with demand.
  • Analyze sellthrough, productivity, aged inventory, and margin drivers.
  • Provide postmortem analysis to inform future seasons.
  • Work cross-functionally with other departments within the organization to optimize buy targets, SKU optimization, and time-phased category plans.
  • Monitor OTB flow for the current buying season and an extended 18- month strategic open-to-buy plan for future product seasons.
  • Manage in-season inventory activities, forecasting to a roll-forward projection and making adjustments based on the agreed-upon top-down plan. 

What You'll Bring

  • Experience in footwear retail merchandise planning, buying, demand, and supply planning
  • Knowledge of different business operating models
  • Successful Retail Merchandise, Buying, Demand and Supply Planning experience
  • Experience in key distribution channels – wholesale, retail, and digital
  • Ability to analyze trends and use that information to plan and forecast effectively
  • Strong analytical and verbal skills
  • Strong computer skills, including the following tools:
    • Data warehouse/data mart query and report development tools
    • Advanced Microsoft Excel (if statements, linking, pivot tables, etc.)
    • Planning Software (MID, Blue Yonder, NSB/STS/MMS, I2, Retek, Evant, SAP, etc.)
About Clarks
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brother James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off cuts. At the time it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive of more than 22,000 pairs that have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and Launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognizable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks. This season, we're proud to introduce the Clarks Collective: five incredible activists championing authentic social change. From mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights to greater racial equality, these trailblazers are committed to creating a brighter future for us all-bringing to life Clarks' new global campaign, for the World Ahead. Through spotlighting their stories and supporting their chosen charities and initiatives, we're ready to lead the way. After all, we're the originators, not imitators. It's who we are, who we've always been. And to change the world of tomorrow, we're doing things differently today.As a global employer, Clarks is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. We strive to create a productive environment which everyone has an equal chance to succeed at all levels through the organization. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, marital status, color, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment', complying with local legislative requirements. 
 
Actual compensation within a pay range will be based on factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, performance, Clarks’ business needs, internal equity and any statutory obligations. The pay range for this role may be modified by Clarks at any time in the future.

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