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Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Merchandise Planner, you will be empowered to take ownership of your assigned categories ... Lead the end-to-end planning process, managing sales, margin, and inventory for assigned categories ...

Director, Global Merchandise Planning - Omni Channel Position Summary The Director of Global Merchandise Planning is responsible for establishing and executing the enterprise strategy for inventory ...

As a Merchandise Planner, you will be empowered to take ownership of your assigned categories ... Lead the end-to-end planning process, managing sales, margin, and inventory for assigned categories ...

Director of Merchandise Planning

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Establish and operationalize the merchandise planning function, including tools, processes, and reporting frameworks * Design and implement standardized planning cadences across seasonal and long ...

Director of Merchandise Planning

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Establish and operationalize the merchandise planning function, including tools, processes, and reporting frameworks * Design and implement standardized planning cadences across seasonal and long ...

Merchandise Planner

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Merchandise Planner

Irvine, CA ยท Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

In this role, you'll partner with Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, and Operations to optimize the online shopping experience while driving sales, inventory health, and profitability through data ...

Merchandise Planner

Irvine, CA ยท Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

In this role, you'll partner with Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, and Operations to optimize the online shopping experience while driving sales, inventory health, and profitability through data ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchandise Planning information

See salary details

$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?

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 cities are hiring for Merchandise Planning jobs?

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:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Director of Merchandise Planning

Soni Resources

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Soni is seeking a strategic, analytical, and hands-on Director of Merchandise Planning to lead planning and inventory strategy across a growing portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands.
This individual will own the end-to-end merchandise planning function, including Open-to-Buy (OTB), demand forecasting, receipt planning, inventory optimization, and merchandise financial planning. This is a highly visible role that partners closely with Ecommerce, Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing to ensure the right products are available at the right time while maximizing sales, margin, and inventory performance.
This opportunity is ideal for a planning leader who enjoys building scalable processes, thrives in a fast-paced ecommerce environment, and can translate data into actionable business decisions.
Responsibilities:
Merchandise & Financial Planning:
  • Own the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process across multiple brands, categories, and seasons.
  • Develop demand forecasts using historical sales, trends, and business insights.
  • Build and manage merchandise financial plans, receipt plans, and inventory budgets.
  • Develop size curves, inventory models, and forecasting tools to support business growth.
  • Produce weekly, monthly, and seasonal reporting on sales, inventory, margin, and forecast performance.
  • Create scenario analyses and planning recommendations to support executive decision-making.

Inventory Strategy:
  • Manage inventory levels to maximize sales while minimizing excess inventory.
  • Monitor inventory health and adjust plans based on business performance and market trends.
  • Develop ecommerce inventory allocation strategies across product launches, promotions, and seasonal demand.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure inventory supports merchandising and marketing initiatives.

Cross-Functional Leadership:
  • Serve as the planning partner for Ecommerce, Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing.
  • Build scalable planning processes, reporting, and best practices.
  • Present planning insights, inventory strategies, and business recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Drive continuous process improvements through data analysis and operational efficiencies.

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, or demand planning.
  • 4+ years in a leadership role managing planning strategy and business performance.
  • Deep expertise in Open-to-Buy (OTB), demand forecasting, receipt planning, inventory optimization, and merchandise financial planning.
  • Experience supporting ecommerce or digitally native retail businesses.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling, scenario planning, Pivot Tables, and XLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH.
  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect planning decisions to financial performance.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience within footwear, apparel, fashion, accessories, or consumer products.
  • Experience with merchandise planning platforms such as Anaplan, Oracle Retail, or similar systems.
  • Familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker.
  • Experience working with Shopify or similar ecommerce platforms is a plus.

Compensation: $100,000 - $125,000
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.
#SONICREATIVE

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About Soni Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Soni is a premier staffing & recruitment company that is disrupting the human capital management space. Headquartered in New York, Soni has presence in 23 markets across the United States. We support each professional relationship with a cutting-edge approach, industry-leading insights, and a human touch. We are trusted to help companies and individuals tackle their challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. We are minority-owned, and diversity & inclusion is in our DNA. We are committed to creating environments where people are empowered to be their authentic selves.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US