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Merchandise Planning Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Manage OTB by identifying risks and opportunities while overseeing in-season monitoring, promotional planning, and reforecasting receipt flows utilizing multi-source data. * Financial Alignment:

Planner Supply Chain

Collierville, TN · On-site

$26 - $35.25/hr

Works cross-functionally with the merchandise, planning, pricing, inventory management, sourcing, and logistics teams to plan merchandise flow and channel management. Required Qualifications ...

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Merchandise Planning Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$50.4K

$88.2K

$138K

How much do merchandise planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning manager in Tennessee is $88,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $105,700.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,223 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

Orgill, Inc.

Collierville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Orgill rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 428 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Job Summary
The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving category financial performance relating to sales, inventory turn, and margin. This position requires strong analytical and financial skills, sound business acumen, and a proven ability to leverage cross-functional communication and influence to deliver results.
Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive annual, preseason, and assortment plans that align with the category vision and financial strategies-driving sales, landed margin growth, inventory productivity, and service levels.
  • Open-to-Buy (OTB) Management: Manage OTB by identifying risks and opportunities while overseeing in-season monitoring, promotional planning, and reforecasting receipt flows utilizing multi-source data.
  • Financial Alignment: Align bottom-up category forecasts with top-down financial plans.
  • Assortment Optimization: Formulate assortment plans and drive SKU optimization utilizing data- driven insights, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies (such as RPA and AI tools).
  • Performance Reviews: Participate in category performance reviews, providing data-backed recommendations for promotions, pricing, sell-through, markdowns, and exit strategies.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner dynamically with cross-functional teams-including Merchandising, Inventory Management, Sales, Supply Chain, and Operations-to proactively recommend strategic adjustments that maximize profitability and reduce liability.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
  • Experience: 3-5 years of experience (preferably in merchandise planning, inventory management, or demand forecasting).
  • Analytical Capability: Strong strategic thinking, quantitative planning, and analytical skills with experience managing OTB and building bottom-up forecasts.
  • Communication & Influence: Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in merchandise, procurement, assortment, and space planning software/systems preferred. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and data management tools, alongside an ability to leverage modern analytical tools to drive efficiencies.
  • Execution & Organization: Strong organizational skills, with a demonstrated capacity to handle multiple competing priorities and deliver clean, accurate results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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