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Merchandising Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Merchandise Planner is a key member of the planning, merchandising and sales organization ... This role bridges buying, merchandising, and analytics -- ensuring the right products are available ...

You'll collaborate closely with merchandising, retail, finance and operations teams to ensure the ... Planning, Projections: analyze sales, stock levels, margin and other key metrics. Own end to end ...

Merchandise Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

Merchandise Planner

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Summary: The Merchandise Planner supports the development and execution of merchandise sales ... Partner with Merchandising teams to conduct business reviews highlighting trends, risks ...

Merchandise Planner

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Experience with merchandising, planning, and/or allocation systems preferred * Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills * Strong attention to detail, ability to manage varying ...

Partner with Buying & Merchandising to create and deliver local assortment strategies maximizing ... Represent planning and at times present to executives, employees, and partners. Job Required ...

Work closely with the merchandising, sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and support for merchandising initiatives * Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve ...

The Planner will own style-level buy planning and in-season inventory management within their ... closely with Merchandising to align on strategy and present recommendations to leadership.

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

BA or BS preferred. * 4+ consecutive years of Merchandising Planning experience. Skills: * Data driven individual with a curious, entrepreneurial mindset. Able to take initiative to start work ...

... Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred Additional Requirements Ability to travel up to 25% as needed Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Equal Opportunity ...

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

BA or BS preferred. * 4+ consecutive years of Merchandising Planning experience. Skills: * Data driven individual with a curious, entrepreneurial mindset. Able to take initiative to start work ...

... Planning, Merchandising, Private Brands, Finance, and Operations to align Amazon inventory ... strategies with broader business objectives using an S&IOP approach. * Leverage Relex, Amazon ...

New

As Merchandise Planner , you will partner closely with the Merchandising team to build ... You will partner directly with Merchandising, Finance, and senior leadership--your analysis and ...

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their fast-growing division; while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all plans, revisions and projects ...

... Planning, Merchandising, Private Brands, Finance, and Operations to align Amazon inventory ... strategies with broader business objectives using an S&IOP approach. * Leverage Relex, Amazon ...

... Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred Additional Requirements • Ability to travel up to 25% as needed • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Equal ...

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Merchandising Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do merchandising planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchandising planner in the United States is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are merchandising planners?

Merchandising planners are professionals who analyze sales data and market trends to determine the right assortment and quantity of products for retail stores. They work to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place, maximizing sales and minimizing excess inventory. Merchandising planners collaborate closely with buyers, store managers, and supply chain teams to create effective merchandise plans and strategies. Their role is critical in driving profitability and meeting customer demand.

What does a merchandise planner do?

A merchandise planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory plans to ensure the right products are available at the right time. They collaborate with buying teams and use planning tools to optimize stock levels, maximize sales, and minimize excess inventory. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of retail systems are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying merchandiser job?

The highest paying merchandising roles are often senior positions such as Merchandising Director or Vice President of Merchandising, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, strategic planning skills, and leadership responsibilities within retail or consumer goods companies.

What skills do you need to be a merchandise planner?

A merchandise planner needs strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and forecast demand, along with proficiency in Excel and inventory management software. Good communication and organizational skills are essential for coordinating with vendors and internal teams to ensure product availability and sales targets are met.

How does a Merchandising Planner typically collaborate with buying and inventory teams to optimize product availability?

Merchandising Planners work closely with buying and inventory teams to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities. Regular communication and data sharing are essential, as Planners analyze sales trends and forecasts to advise buyers on purchase quantities and timing. They also coordinate with inventory teams to monitor stock levels, identify potential shortages or excesses, and develop action plans to address these issues. This collaboration helps balance inventory investment while maximizing sales and minimizing markdowns.

What is the difference between Merchandising Planner vs Buying Analyst?

AspectMerchandising PlannerBuying Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field
Work EnvironmentCorporate retail or apparel companies, planning departmentsRetail stores, purchasing departments, or merchandising teams
Primary FocusDeveloping sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategiesAnalyzing sales data, selecting products, and negotiating with suppliers
Common UsageUsed in retail and apparel industries to optimize inventoryUsed in retail to ensure product availability and profitability

The main difference is that Merchandising Planners focus on creating sales and inventory plans to optimize stock levels, while Buying Analysts concentrate on selecting products and negotiating with suppliers. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, but their core responsibilities differ in strategic planning versus product procurement.

How much do merchandise planners make in the US?

Merchandising planners in the US typically earn an average salary of around $65,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced planners or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000 annually. Skills in data analysis and inventory management are often important for higher compensation.

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

To thrive as a Merchandising Planner, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of retail math, and experience in inventory management, often supported by a relevant degree in business or merchandising. Familiarity with planning software like Oracle Retail, Excel, and ERP systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and adapting to market changes. These skills are vital for optimizing product assortments, managing stock levels, and driving sales performance in a dynamic retail environment.
More about Merchandising Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchandising Planner jobs? Cities with the most Merchandising Planner job openings:
What states have the most Merchandising Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchandising Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Merchandising Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

Emerging Blue Jobs

New York, NY

$90/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

We are searching for a Merchandise Planner for our apparel client. The Merchandise Planner is a key member of the planning, merchandising and sales organization, responsible for developing and executing seasonal buying strategies, managing open-to-buy and pre-season budgets, and identifying opportunities for optimizing inventory across channels. This role bridges buying, merchandising, and analytics — ensuring the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to drive sell-through and profitability.
Responsibilities
Buying & Assortment Planning
  • Develop and execute seasonal buying plans built from bottoms-up rollups, aligned with brand strategy and sales targets
  • Manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets across categories to maximize sell-through and minimize excess inventory
  • Partner with sales, design, and brand teams to curate an assortment that reflect customer profiles and market trends
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for in-season buys, replenishments, and discount strategies
Merchandising
  • Analyze sales performance, margin, and sell-through data to inform assortment decisions and future planning
  • Collaborate with sales to develop compelling product presentations and line sheets for wholesale accounts
  • Monitor competitive landscape and retail trends to ensure the assortment remains market-relevant
  • Support the development of markdown and promotional strategies to clear slow-moving inventory
  • Coordinate product availability timelines with sales to align on delivery windows and launch calendars

Inventory Management
  • Develop and manage replenishment strategies for core and continuity programs
  • Coordinate with warehouse, logistics, and operations teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely order fulfillment
  • Manage transfer order creation and inventory receipt reconciliation in NetSuite, serving as the internal point of accountability for system accuracy across the supply chain
Reporting & Analytics
  • Build and maintain weekly, monthly, and seasonal reporting on sell-through, revenue, OTB, and account performance
  • Present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional partners
  • Develop forecasts and scenario plans to support buying decisions and financial target-setting
  • Track KPIs against plan and communicate variances with clear action plans
  • Leverage AI and analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Claude) to create scalable reporting frameworks
What Success Looks Like
  • Timely and trusted reporting for cross-functional partners who rely on your dashboards and recaps to make decisions
  • Clear and proactive communication with cross-functional partners ensuring all teams are aligned on risks, opportunities, and execution priorities
  • Forecasts are accurate and inventory receipts align closely with demand, reducing costly surprises
  • Buying decisions are data-driven — assortment choices are backed by clear sell-through, margin, and trend analysis
  • Cross-functional partners want to work with you — sales, ops, and finance see you as a strategic asset, not just a numbers person
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in wholesale planning, merchandise planning or a related retail planning role
  • NetSuite experience along with wholesale order management platforms (e.g., NuOrder)
  • Experience managing open-to-buy budgets and working within structured planning cycles
  • Strong understanding of in-season inventory management, including sell-through, weeks of supply, and inventory flow
  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, basic modeling); experience with planning or BI tools a plus
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with Planning, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Production teams
  • Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership


Salary Range $90-100K