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Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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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 ...

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.

The Container Store

Merchandise Planner

Coppell, TX · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Overview The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the merchandise planning process for ... Experience with Planning and Allocation tools preferred; Oracle / JDA plus. * Proficient in ...

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Merchandise Planning Allocation information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning allocation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning allocation 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.

How much do merchandise planners make in the US?

Merchandise planners in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced planners with advanced skills or certifications can earn over $100,000 annually.

What is a merchandise planner's salary?

A merchandise planner's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced planners or those in senior positions can earn over $100,000. Skills in data analysis and inventory management tools are often required for higher-paying roles.

How much do merchandisers get paid?

Merchandise Planning Allocation professionals typically earn an average salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced merchandisers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries and bonuses.

How to get into merchandise planning?

To enter merchandise planning, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, retail, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills and experience with inventory management or retail operations. Gaining proficiency in planning tools like Excel or specialized software such as SAP or Oracle is beneficial. Entry-level roles or internships in retail or supply chain departments can provide relevant experience to advance into merchandise planning positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Merchandise Planning Allocation position, and why are they important?

To excel in Merchandise Planning Allocation, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in retail math, and a background in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with planning and allocation software like SAP, Oracle, or JDA, as well as advanced Excel skills, is highly valued. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams help professionals stand out. These abilities are crucial for making data-driven decisions that support product availability and sales goals, directly impacting a company's financial performance.

What are the typical challenges faced in a Merchandise Planning Allocation role?

A Merchandise Planning Allocation professional commonly faces challenges such as balancing inventory levels with forecasted sales, responding to changing consumer demand, and handling supply chain disruptions. The role often requires quick decision-making to adjust allocations for various store locations or channels while minimizing stockouts or excess inventory. You may also need to consistently analyze large sets of data and communicate recommendations to merchandising and buying teams. Overcoming these challenges is essential to optimize sales, maintain healthy inventory turnover, and contribute to overall business success.

What is a Merchandise Planning Allocation job?

A Merchandise Planning Allocation job involves managing inventory distribution to ensure products are in the right place at the right time. Professionals in this role analyze sales data, forecast demand, and allocate stock based on store performance and regional trends. They collaborate with buying, supply chain, and store teams to optimize inventory levels and maximize profitability. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

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Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Allocation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Merchandise Planning Manager

Merchandise Planning Manager

clarks

Needham Heights, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 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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