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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Manager - Merchandise Planning
New York, NY · On-site
$108K/yr
The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic planning for your division - guiding a team in driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity. You'll ...
Manager - Merchandise Planning
New York, NY · On-site
$108K/yr
The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic planning for your division - guiding a team in driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity. You'll ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Manager - Merchandise Planning
New York, NY · Hybrid
$108K/yr
The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic planning for your division - guiding a team in driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity. You'll ...
New
Manager - Merchandise Planning
New York, NY · Hybrid
$108K/yr
The Role + Purpose As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you'll lead the financial and strategic planning for your division - guiding a team in driving sales, margin, and inventory productivity. You'll ...
New
Merchandise Planning Manager
$121K - $179K/yr
... merchandising, inventory, finance and marketing. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills to work collaboratively. Responsibilities • Lead and develop Sr. Planners ...
New
Merchandise Planning Manager
$121K - $179K/yr
... merchandising, inventory, finance and marketing. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills to work collaboratively. Responsibilities • Lead and develop Sr. Planners ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
... Merchandising to ensure a unified product and financial strategy. * Team Management: Direct, mentor, and develop a team of Associate/Assistant Planners, fostering a culture of continuous learning ...
... Merchandising to ensure a unified product and financial strategy. * Team Management: Direct, mentor, and develop a team of Associate/Assistant Planners, fostering a culture of continuous learning ...
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
This position is responsible for managing the merchandise planning team which includes analyzing current business trend, market feedback, historical data and recommending course corrections and ...
New
Merchandise Planning Manager
$121K - $179K/yr
... merchandising, inventory, finance and marketing. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills to work collaboratively. Responsibilities • Lead and develop Sr. Planners ...
New
Merchandise Planning Manager
$121K - $179K/yr
... merchandising, inventory, finance and marketing. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills to work collaboratively. Responsibilities • Lead and develop Sr. Planners ...
New
Merchandise Planning information
See salary details
$55.5K - $64.3K
10% of jobs
$64.3K - $73K
14% of jobs
$73.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$73K - $81.8K
13% of jobs
The median wage is $90K / yr.
$81.8K - $90.6K
15% of jobs
$90.6K - $99.4K
8% of jobs
$99.4K - $108.1K
9% of jobs
$113.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$108.1K - $116.9K
10% of jobs
$116.9K - $125.7K
8% of jobs
$125.7K - $134.5K
4% of jobs
$134.5K - $143.2K
4% of jobs
$143.2K - $152K
4% of jobs
$55.5K
$97.2K
$152K
How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandise planning 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.
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?
| Aspect | Merchandise Planning | Inventory Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Developing strategies for product assortment, assortment mix, and sales forecasts | Managing stock levels, replenishment, and stock turnover |
| Responsibilities | Selecting products, analyzing sales trends, and planning merchandise assortments | Monitoring inventory levels, reducing stockouts, and optimizing stock costs |
| Skills & Credentials | Analytical skills, retail industry knowledge, forecasting experience | Data 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.
More about Merchandise Planning jobs
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Cities with the most Merchandise Planning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning jobs?
The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs are:
What states have the most Merchandise Planning jobs?
States with the most job openings for Merchandise Planning jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchandise Planning jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Merchandise Planning jobs are:
Job description
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 open-to-buy plan, monitoring inventory aging and quality, and providing stock productivity analysis. The ideal candidate blends strong analytical capability with a commercial mindset and collaborative communication skills.
What You'll Do
- Develop seasonal financial plans by class, department, and channel, including sales, units, margin, and inventory.
- Build and maintain itemlevel or classlevel forecasts based on historical performance, trends, and merchant strategy.
- Translate business strategy into monthly and weekly sales plans.
- Own inventory flow, weeks of supply, and receipt plans to support sales while minimizing markdown risk.
- Partner with Allocation/Replenishment to optimize initial buys and ongoing replenishment.
- Identify risks and opportunities related to overstock, shortages, or flow disruptions.
- Manage the markdown in season and closeout/end-of-life process.
- Produce style count and SKU productivity targets to govern the region's range selection activity. Monitor performance against these targets and make recommendations to the Merchant team to improve results.
- Partner with Merchants/Buyers to align assortments and buy quantities with financial goals.
- Work with Finance on forecasts, reprojections, and inventory investments.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Allocation to ensure receipts and store/channel flow align with demand.
- Analyze sellthrough, productivity, aged inventory, and margin drivers.
- Provide postmortem analysis to inform future seasons.
- Work cross-functionally with other departments within the organization to optimize buy targets, SKU optimization, and time-phased category plans.
- Monitor OTB flow for the current buying season and an extended 18- month strategic open-to-buy plan for future product seasons.
- Manage in-season inventory activities, forecasting to a roll-forward projection and making adjustments based on the agreed-upon top-down plan.
What You'll Bring
- Experience in footwear retail merchandise planning, buying, demand, and supply planning
- Knowledge of different business operating models
- Successful Retail Merchandise, Buying, Demand and Supply Planning experience
- Experience in key distribution channels – wholesale, retail, and digital
- Ability to analyze trends and use that information to plan and forecast effectively
- Strong analytical and verbal skills
- Strong computer skills, including the following tools:
- Data warehouse/data mart query and report development tools
- Advanced Microsoft Excel (if statements, linking, pivot tables, etc.)
- Planning Software (MID, Blue Yonder, NSB/STS/MMS, I2, Retek, Evant, SAP, etc.)
About Clarks
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brother James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off cuts. At the time it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive of more than 22,000 pairs that have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and Launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognizable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks. This season, we're proud to introduce the Clarks Collective: five incredible activists championing authentic social change. From mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights to greater racial equality, these trailblazers are committed to creating a brighter future for us all-bringing to life Clarks' new global campaign, for the World Ahead. Through spotlighting their stories and supporting their chosen charities and initiatives, we're ready to lead the way. After all, we're the originators, not imitators. It's who we are, who we've always been. And to change the world of tomorrow, we're doing things differently today.As a global employer, Clarks is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. We strive to create a productive environment which everyone has an equal chance to succeed at all levels through the organization. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, marital status, color, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment', complying with local legislative requirements.
Actual compensation within a pay range will be based on factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, performance, Clarks’ business needs, internal equity and any statutory obligations. The pay range for this role may be modified by Clarks at any time in the future.
About Clark Shoe Co
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Apparel and accessories stores
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Lexington, MA, US