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Merchandise Planning Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Event Network

Planning Manager - SSC

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Summary As the Merchandise Planning Manager at Event Network, you will lead merchandise planning, inventory strategy, and replenishment execution for assigned business areas across a multi-site ...

goop

Manager, Merchandise Planning

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Manager, Planning, you will lead merchandise planning for GWYN, goop's fashion label, while supporting supply planning across goop Beauty and inventory analysis for the multi-brand business.

Rothy's

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Merchandise Planner San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and ... You'll also support the Planning Manager of Growth Areas to shape company‑wide plans and ...

Rothy's

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

Merchandise Planner San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and ... You'll also support the Planning Manager of Growth Areas to shape company-wide plans and forecasts.

Rothy's

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

Merchandise Planner San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and ... You'll also support the Planning Manager of Growth Areas to shape company-wide plans and forecasts.

ALO

Planning Manager, International

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Manage and develop a team of Merchandise Planners and Associate Planners. * Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development aligned with Alo's core competencies. * Foster collaboration and ...

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Merchandise Planning Manager information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$95.9K

$150K

How much do merchandise planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning manager in California is $95,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise planning manager?

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.

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 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 is a merchandise planning manager's salary?

The salary of a merchandise planning manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those in major markets may offer higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

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

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Planning Manager jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planning Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planning Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Merchandise Planning Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Merchandise Planning Manager job openings:

Merchandise Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,929 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Merchandise Planning Manager - San Diego

eventnetwork

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
As the Merchandise Planning Manager at Event Network, you will lead merchandise planning, inventory strategy, and replenishment execution for assigned business areas across a multi-site retail business. Reporting to the VP of Planning and Replenishment, you will manage a Replenishment Analyst and jointly own planned inventory, turnover, SKU, and in-stock goals with the Buying and Product teams. You will work closely with the GMM and Senior Merchandise Managers to drive sales, profitability, and inventory productivity, including the planning and execution of large bulk and import buys.


Key Responsibilities
•    Business Leadership: Partner with the VP of Planning and Replenishment, GMM, Senior Merchandise Managers, Buyers, and Product partners to achieve sales, margin, inventory, and growth objectives within assigned business areas.
•    Merchandise Planning: Develop location-level inventory, margin, SKU count, and sales plans that align with financial targets and assortment architecture by category.
•    Inventory and Open-to-Buy: Reforecast monthly open-to-buy, assess sales and inventory by department, review variances, and recommend actions that improve inventory efficiency and return on inventory investment.
•    Replenishment Leadership: Manage, coach, and develop the Replenishment Analyst. Oversee store replenishment and reorder placement, establish priorities and operating rhythms, and monitor in-stock levels, inventory flow, and store needs.
•    Bulk and Import Buys: Lead planning for large bulk and import buys, including demand forecasting, purchase timing, inventory commitments, receipt flow, and risk mitigation in partnership with Buying, Product, and Operations.
•    Product Lifecycle: Build strong relationships with Product and Buying teams to manage product lifecycle, SKU rationalization, inventory levels, and assortment opportunities.
•    New Stores and Special Events: Develop inventory and assortment plans for new stores, remodels, exhibits, special events, and other business initiatives.
•    Analytics and Reporting: Analyze sales and product performance at the class, subclass, and SKU levels; identify risks and opportunities; and deliver weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc reporting with clear action plans.
•    Cross-functional Communication: Communicate quantitative insights, store needs, inventory gaps, and buying recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
•    Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with peers to develop tools, share best practices, improve planning and replenishment processes, and expand systems knowledge.


Qualifications
•    Experience: Three or more years of experience as a Merchandise Planner, Planning Manager, Replenishment Manager, or similar retail planning role.
•    Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, marketing, business, or a related field preferred.
•    Planning Expertise: Solid understanding of merchandise planning, forecasting, open-to-buy, inventory management, and replenishment processes in a multi-site retail environment.
•    Leadership: Experience managing, coaching, or developing direct reports; ability to set priorities, provide clear direction, and hold partners accountable.
•    Analytical Excellence: Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and data interpretation skills with a focus on action planning.
•    Technical: Superior Excel skills and comfort working with planning, forecasting, inventory, and reporting systems.
•    Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and present insights to senior leaders.
•    Execution: Detail oriented, with excellent follow-through and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Pay Rate: $90,000-$95,000/year

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