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Merchandise Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J.Crew

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 ...

Chicos

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 ...

Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

$85K - $95K/yr

In addition to costing, this role will also support the merchandise planning needs by supplying seasonal projections to be used for capacity planning and material bookings. In this highly ...

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Merchandise Planning information

See salary details

$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do merchandise planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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.
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Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Manager - Merchandise Planning

New York, NY • On-site

J.Crew
Apparel and Accessories Stores • 10K+ employees
Learn more about J.Crewexternal

$108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

J.Crew rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Our Story
J.Crew gets you dressed every day, for every occasion.
Since 1983, we've been creating classics that feel familiar and refreshingly new, crafted with unbeatable quality and distinctive point of view-it's no wonder we've been in your closet for four decades and counting.
Today, we continue to do the classics our way, inspiring not only how you shop but how you define your personal style. Our commitment runs deeper than just making great clothes-we're proud of our role in getting you dressed with confidence, character, and celebrating a distinctly American sensibility that makes us who we are.
Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.
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 partner closely with Merchandising, Allocation, and senior leadership to shape the financial roadmap that informs assortment investments, pricing, and flow strategies. This role requires a strong balance of analytical acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership - someone who can both zoom out to see the big picture and dive into the details to deliver results. You'll also play a key role in developing talent, fostering collaboration, and evolving planning tools and processes to support financial integrity and growth.
Preseason
  • Lead the creation of sales, margin, and inventory plans by department and division, providing strategic guidance to planners and cross-functional teams
  • Analyze business performance to identify key drivers, risks, and opportunities that inform future investments
  • Partner with Merchandising to align financial goals with product strategy and assortment decisions
  • Present preseason plans and recommendations to senior leadership, clearly articulating assumptions, risks, and growth opportunities
  • Develop division-level strategies that drive sales, margin, and inventory turn targets

In Season
  • Lead the ongoing analysis of sales, margin, and inventory to identify trends, variances, and emerging risks
  • Guide the team through in-season forecasting, hindsight, and OTB management, ensuring agility and accuracy in financial decision-making
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to make data-driven adjustments to receipts, pricing, and promotions
  • Partner with Finance to monitor divisional performance and reforecast based on updated trends and financial goals
  • Provide actionable insights during hindsight and investment review meetings to inform future product and financial strategies

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 8+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial analysis, or related fields
  • Proven success leading planning strategy for a division or large department
  • Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with advanced Excel proficiency
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilities across multiple levels of leadership
  • Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with ability to balance strategy and execution

Preferred:
  • Experience in multi-category or multi-channel retail planning
  • Familiarity with enterprise-level planning tools and financial reporting systems
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional business initiatives
  • Strong understanding of retail KPIs and their impact on profitability and growth

We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We're always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.
Benefits + Perks
  • Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.
  • Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That's why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
  • Summer Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.
  • Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
  • Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.
Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $140,400.00
At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company's size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group's competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.
One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.
JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.

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