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Merchandise Planning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Senior Director, Planning, you will partner closely with Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, Product Development, Wholesale, Retail, Ecommerce, and Finance to develop demand ...

Merchandise Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

DIRECTOR, MERCHANDISE PLANNING STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and ...

Merchandise Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

DIRECTOR, MERCHANDISE PLANNING STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

The Merchandising Planning team is always on top of the latest trends-using data, research, exceptional taste and expert analytical skills to ensure we've got the right product in the right places at ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

The Merchandising Planning team is always on top of the latest trends--using data, research, exceptional taste and expert analytical skills to ensure we've got the right product in the right places ...

Partner with merchants and planning leadership on strategy, building targets, KPIs, mark down strategy, optimizing sell through and forward planning  * Drives and owns the Pre-Season Planning ...

Merchandise Planner

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Partner with merchants and planning leadership on strategy, building targets, KPIs, mark down strategy, optimizing sell through and forward planning * Drives and owns the Pre-Season Planning ...

Merchandise Planner

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Partner with merchants and planning leadership on strategy, building targets, KPIs, mark down strategy, optimizing sell through and forward planning * Drives and owns the Pre-Season Planning ...

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Showing results 1-20

Merchandise Planning information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$95.9K

$150K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning 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 is merchandise planning?

Merchandise planning is the process used by retailers and brands to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, place, and quantity to meet customer demand while maximizing sales and minimizing markdowns. It involves forecasting sales, managing inventory, and developing buying strategies based on historical data and market trends. Effective merchandise planning helps businesses achieve financial goals, improve stock efficiency, and respond quickly to changes in consumer preferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in forecasting, inventory management, and a background in business or related fields. Familiarity with retail planning software like Oracle Retail, SAP, or JDA, as well as advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively with buyers, vendors, and cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to optimize inventory levels, maximize sales, and ensure profitability in a dynamic retail environment.

What are some common challenges faced in merchandise planning and how can they be addressed?

Merchandise Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as forecasting demand accurately, balancing inventory levels, and adapting to rapidly changing consumer trends. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging data analytics tools, maintaining close collaboration with buying and sales teams, and regularly reviewing sales performance to make timely adjustments. Additionally, strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring that inventory decisions support both short-term goals and long-term business objectives.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning vs Inventory Planning?

AspectMerchandise PlanningInventory Planning
FocusDeveloping strategies for product assortment, assortment mix, and sales forecastsManaging stock levels, replenishment, and stock turnover
ResponsibilitiesSelecting products, analyzing sales trends, and planning merchandise assortmentsMonitoring inventory levels, reducing stockouts, and optimizing stock costs
Skills & CredentialsAnalytical skills, retail industry knowledge, forecasting experienceData analysis, supply chain understanding, inventory management certifications

While both roles involve planning and analysis within retail, Merchandise Planning focuses on product assortment and sales forecasting, whereas Inventory Planning centers on stock levels and replenishment strategies. Understanding these differences helps retailers optimize both product offerings and inventory efficiency.

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 software. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in retail or supply chain management can also be valuable. Developing skills in data analysis, forecasting, and understanding market trends is essential for success in this role.

What does a merchandise planning do?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use tools like spreadsheets and inventory management software to optimize stock levels and maximize sales profitability.

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 cities in California are hiring for Merchandise Planning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Merchandise Planning job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,929 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Manager, Merchandise Planning

goop

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About The Company

goop is a lifestyle platform dedicated to exploration, curation, and groundbreaking conversation. From its award-winning beauty and fashion lines to its expansive editorial lens, goop invites women to embrace the process of becoming, and to discover deep joy in the pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and growth in all phases of life.

Gwyneth Paltrow began goop in the fall of 2008 as a weekly newsletter. It has expanded into a beauty, fashion, and food business that's also known for its products, curation, podcast, TV shows, live events, and retail stores.

About You

You're a sharp, commercially minded planner who thrives at the intersection of data and strategy. You find equal satisfaction in building a precise bottoms-up forecast and presenting an inventory recommendation to senior leadership. You're naturally collaborative, comfortable navigating cross-functional teams, and confident enough to push back on a buy when the numbers don't support it.

About The Role

As 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. Reporting to the Senior Director, Planning, you will partner closely with Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, Product Development, Wholesale, Retail, Ecommerce, and Finance to develop demand forecasts, inventory investment strategies, and supply plans that support company financial objectives. This is a highly analytical and cross-functional role requiring someone who is equally comfortable building financial plans as they are influencing business decisions. The ideal candidate has strong commercial judgment and the confidence to make data-driven recommendations—including when that means recommending not to invest in inventory.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead Open-to-Buy management for GWYN, building receipt plans aligned with sales forecasts, inventory targets, margin expectations, and cash flow objectives; continuously evaluate business performance and recommend adjustments, including reducing, delaying, or accelerating receipts as conditions evolve.
  • Own preseason and in-season merchandise plans by collection, category, channel, and month, including bottoms-up sales, demand, inventory, and receipt plans by collection, SKU, and channel.
  • Develop size curve forecasts by style, color, and size with Merchandising; translate demand forecasts into purchase order recommendations, receipt timing, and inventory requirements in partnership with Buying and Supply Chain.
  • Own inventory allocation recommendations across Ecommerce and Retail; monitor inventory productivity, WOS, sell-through, and stock position, recommending replenishment, markdown, and inventory mitigation actions.
  • Support supply planning for goop Beauty by maintaining demand forecasts, supply plans, and replenishment visibility for finished goods and components; proactively identify and address low WOS, out-of-stock, and excess inventory risks.
  • Partner with Wholesale, Ecommerce, Retail, Amazon, Merchandising, and Finance to align sales forecasts and inventory investments; analyze weekly business performance and recommend actions to improve sales, inventory productivity, and profitability.
  • Develop executive reporting, planning analysis, and recommendations to support business reviews; maintain and improve planning tools, forecasting models, and reporting processes.

Qualifications & Experience

  • 5+ years of merchandise planning experience in fashion or specialty retail, with direct ownership of Open-to-Buy and inventory investment decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage bottoms-up financial plans at the SKU, category, and channel level; strong proficiency in Excel and planning systems (e.g., Netsuite, Looker, or equivalent).
  • Experience in supply planning or demand planning within a beauty, CPG, or multi-brand environment is a strong plus.
  • Proven cross-functional partnership experience with Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, Finance, and Ecommerce teams to align forecasts and drive business performance.
  • Strong analytical and commercial judgment; comfortable making data-driven inventory recommendations, including conservative calls when risk outweighs return.
  • Excellent communication and executive reporting skills, with the ability to distill complex inventory analysis into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership.

FAQ

  • Compensation: $90,000-$100,000 + Equity. This is a full-time, exempt role. Please note that this range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for the United States based position. Goop, in good faith, reasonably expects to pay the position within this salary range. Goop provides the salary range in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, training, knowledge and skills, and if the location of the job changes.
  • Benefits: Generous health benefits package, fertility benefits and paid parental leave.
  • Perks: "goopcation" paid company summer break, generous goop discounts, special offers with brand partners, access to custom lifestyle resources and events, and a beautiful workspace in Santa Monica
  • Work Philosophy: At goop we believe that creativity, innovation and camaraderie are essential to our business, our culture and our employee's growth and development. With our Hybrid Work Policy, we are committed to promoting collaboration, productivity and employee well-being by maximizing the benefits of both in-person and remote work. We are in office Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are also open to this person being fully remote.

goop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. goop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. All information provided by the applicant is collected, stored and processed in accordance with the terms of our CCPA Notice for Job Candidates. Job Disclosures: No applicant disclosures related to physical requirements or ADA-related considerations are relevant for this role.