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Merchandise Planning Manager 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 ...

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

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, 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 ...

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 ...

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Merchandise Planning Manager information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning 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.

How does a Merchandise Planning Manager typically collaborate with buying and allocation teams to optimize inventory levels?

A Merchandise Planning Manager works closely with buying and allocation teams to ensure inventory aligns with sales forecasts and market trends. This collaboration involves regular meetings to review performance data, discuss upcoming promotions or seasonality, and adjust purchase orders accordingly. By maintaining open communication and sharing insights, the teams can minimize stockouts or overstock situations, ultimately supporting sales and profitability goals. Effective collaboration also helps streamline the replenishment process and respond quickly to changes in consumer demand.

What does a Merchandise Planning Manager do?

A Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for developing strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time, location, and quantity to maximize sales and profit. They analyze sales trends, forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and work closely with buyers and suppliers. Their goal is to balance stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and optimize product assortment to meet customer needs and business targets.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning Manager vs Merchandise Buyer?

AspectMerchandise Planning ManagerMerchandise Buyer
Primary FocusDeveloping sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategiesSelecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand
ResponsibilitiesAnalyzing sales data, managing stock levels, coordinating with vendorsResearching trends, negotiating with suppliers, selecting products
Skills & CredentialsAnalytical skills, inventory management, retail industry knowledgeTrend awareness, negotiation skills, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentCorporate retail offices, planning departmentsRetail stores, buying offices, supplier meetings

The Merchandise Planning Manager focuses on strategic planning, forecasting, and inventory management to optimize sales and stock levels. In contrast, the Merchandise Buyer concentrates on selecting and purchasing products based on market trends and supplier negotiations. Both roles are essential in retail operations but serve different functions within the supply chain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merchandise Planning Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchandise Planning Manager, you need strong analytical skills, experience in inventory management, and typically a degree in business, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with planning software such as Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, as well as advanced Excel skills, is often required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help you work effectively across buying, merchandising, and supply chain teams. These skills ensure optimized inventory levels, maximized sales, and efficient cross-functional operations in a dynamic retail environment.
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Merchandise Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% 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 19 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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