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Merchandise Planning Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

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 ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

J.Crew Group

Manager - Merchandise Planning

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic ... Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That's why we offer a great ...

J.Crew

Manager - Merchandise Planning

New York, NY · On-site

$108K/yr

The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic ... Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That's why we offer a great ...

RUE GILT GROUPE

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Boston, NY · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

Merchandise Planning Analyst Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required ... Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing Associates with equal pay for equal work and carefully ...

RUE GILT GROUPE

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Boston, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Merchandise Planning Analyst Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required ... Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing Associates with equal pay for equal work and carefully ...

J. Crew

Manager - Merchandise Planning

New York, NY · Hybrid

$108K/yr

The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic ... Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That's why we offer a great ...

RUE GILT GROUPE

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Merchandise Planning Analyst Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required ... Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing Associates with equal pay for equal work and carefully ...

RUE GILT GROUPE

Merchandise Planning Analyst

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Merchandise Planning Analyst Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required ... Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing Associates with equal pay for equal work and carefully ...

Roller Rabbit LLC

Planning Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We're searching for a Planning Associate who is extremely analytical, detail-oriented, and a ... Work together with Buying and Merchandising on line development and assortment recommendations.

Chicos

... 000 associates who share our commitment to excellence. POSITION OBJECTIVE: This position is ... merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback ...

Todd Snyder, Inc.

Planning Manager POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Planner acts as a business manager for specific categories/departments of merchandise across multiple channels and works as a partner to Omni ...

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Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

AKIRA
Retail • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about AKIRAexternal

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 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.
Job Type: Full-Time
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.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Planning Role Merchandise Planning Manager Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $130,000 - $160,000 Employment type Full-time

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