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Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clarks

Merchandise Planning Manager

Needham, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Manager, Merchandise Planning This role will be accountable for driving profitable sales for the ... Partner with Allocation/Replenishment to optimize initial buys and ongoing replenishment.

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing ... Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing ...

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing ... Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing ...

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Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation information

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$55.5K

$97.2K

$152K

How much do permanent merchandise planning allocation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for permanent merchandise planning allocation 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 a permanent merchandise planning allocation?

A Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation refers to an ongoing role responsible for the distribution and placement of inventory across various retail locations. This job involves analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and ensuring that the right products are available at the right stores in the right quantities. The allocation specialist works closely with buying, planning, and store operations teams to optimize inventory turnover and reduce stockouts or overstock situations. They use specialized software and market trends to make data-driven decisions that support sales goals and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permanent merchandise planning allocation specialist?

To excel as a Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation specialist, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in retail, business, or supply chain management. Familiarity with merchandise planning software such as SAP, Oracle Retail, or JDA, along with advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure optimal inventory distribution, support sales goals, and enhance profitability by aligning stock with consumer demand.

How does a permanent merchandise planning allocation professional typically collaborate with buying and sales teams to optimize inventory levels?

Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation professionals work closely with buying and sales teams to ensure the right products are available in the right quantities and locations. They analyze sales data and trends, provide insights on product performance, and adjust allocation strategies in response to changing demand. Regular meetings and data sharing help align inventory decisions with sales goals and promotional activities, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations. This collaboration is essential to achieving sales targets and maximizing profitability.

What is the difference between Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation vs Merchandise Planning Coordinator?

AspectPermanent Merchandise Planning AllocationMerchandise Planning Coordinator
Primary RoleDevelops and manages long-term merchandise allocation strategies to optimize inventory across stores or channelsSupports merchandise planning processes, assists in data analysis, and coordinates between teams to ensure plan execution
CredentialsTypically requires experience in merchandise planning, retail operations, and analytical skillsOften requires similar experience, with emphasis on coordination and communication skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate retail offices, working closely with planning, buying, and inventory teamsRetail or corporate offices, supporting planning teams and cross-functional departments

While both roles involve merchandise planning, Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation focuses on strategic allocation and inventory management, whereas a Merchandise Planning Coordinator provides operational support and coordination within the planning process.

What cities are hiring for Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs?

Cities with the most Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs are:

What states have the most Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs include:

Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Permanent Merchandise Planning Allocation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,202 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Merchandise Planning Manager

clarks

Needham Heights, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

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.

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