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Merchandise Planning Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Orgill, Inc.

Merchandise Planner

Collierville, TN · On-site

Job Summary The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving category financial performance ... Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive annual, preseason, and assortment plans ...

Orgill, Inc.

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 information

See Tennessee salary details

$50.4K

$88.2K

$138K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Merchandise Planning jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Merchandise Planning job openings:

Merchandise Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,223 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

Collierville, TN • On-site

Orgill, Inc.
Wholesale • 1 - 5K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 425 rated retail wholesalers

Good employer

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Learn more about Orgill, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

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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