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Retail Planning Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Experience with JDA, Blue Yonder or other retail planning systems preferred. * Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. * Excellent communication ...

Experience with JDA, Blue Yonder or other retail planning systems preferred. * Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. * Excellent communication ...

Retail Marketing Manager

Norwood, OH · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

... planning including print/signage. · Partner with Category Management and Retail Operations to develop annual retail advertising and promotions calendar supporting category management business ...

Retail Marketing Manager

Norwood, OH · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

... planning including print/signage. • Partner with Category Management and Retail Operations to develop annual retail advertising and promotions calendar supporting category management business ...

YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE : 3+ years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, demand forecasting, inventory management, finance, or analytics. Experience with merchandise planning ...

Space Planning Analyst

Cincinnati, OH · On-site +1

$92K - $138K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Analytics, or a related field 2+ years of experience in space planning, category management, retail analytics, or a related discipline Experience with planogram ...

Retail Associate Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Active participation in the planning and execution of store meetings to prepare for launches and ... of management experience in retail or another environment with a strong customer focus.

Retail Associate Manager

Westerville, OH

$16 - $21.50/hr

Retail Associate Manager Location: Westerville, OH Compensation: T-Mobile Premium Retailer Wireless ... Active participation in the planning and execution of store meetings to prepare for launches and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Retail Planning Manager information

See Ohio salary details

$56.1K

$64.2K

$70.8K

How much do retail planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail planning manager in Ohio is $64,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,400.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retail planning manager do?

A Retail Planning Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to maximize sales and profitability in retail environments. They analyze sales data, forecast demand, and ensure the right products are in the right stores at the right times. Their role involves close collaboration with buyers, merchandisers, and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and support promotional activities. Retail Planning Managers play a key part in minimizing stockouts and overstock situations, helping retailers achieve financial targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail planning manager?

To excel as a Retail Planning Manager, you need strong analytical skills, merchandising knowledge, and experience in demand forecasting, often supported by a degree in business, retail management, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, advanced Excel, and planning software like SAP Retail or Oracle Retail is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and make strategic decisions. These skills are vital for optimizing stock levels, driving sales, and ensuring profitable store performance.

What are some common challenges faced by retail planning managers when aligning inventory with sales forecasts?

Retail Planning Managers often face the challenge of balancing inventory levels to meet fluctuating customer demand while minimizing excess stock and stockouts. They must analyze historical sales data, market trends, and promotional calendars to create accurate forecasts, which can be complicated by seasonal changes or unexpected shifts in consumer behavior. Additionally, collaborating effectively with merchandising, marketing, and supply chain teams is crucial to ensure alignment across departments and to adapt quickly to changes. Successfully managing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and agility in decision-making.

What is the difference between Retail Planning Manager vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Planning ManagerRetail Buyer
Primary FocusDeveloping sales forecasts, inventory plans, and merchandise strategiesSelecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand
Required SkillsData analysis, forecasting, inventory managementMarket research, vendor negotiation, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, retail chainsStore floors, supplier meetings, corporate offices
Common CertificationsRetail management, supply chain certificationsMerchandising, purchasing certifications

The Retail Planning Manager focuses on forecasting and inventory strategies to optimize sales, while the Retail Buyer concentrates on selecting and purchasing products. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge but serve different functions within retail operations.

What are the responsibilities of a retail planning manager?

A retail planning manager is responsible for developing sales forecasts, analyzing market trends, and creating inventory plans to optimize store performance. They coordinate with merchandising, supply chain, and store operations to ensure product availability and efficient store layouts, often using planning tools like spreadsheets and retail analytics software.

What are popular job titles related to Retail Planning Manager jobs in Ohio?

For Retail Planning Manager jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Retail Planning Manager job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,172 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

Variety Wholesalers Inc

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Variety Wholesalers rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

713th of 738 rated retailers


Job description

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the creation and maintenance of merchandise financial plans, including sales, units, margin, and inventory targets by department/category.
  • Monitor and track Open to Buy (OTB) throughout the season. Partner with Buyers to manage buys within plan and recommend adjustments as needed.
  • Analyze sales, margin and inventory performance to identify trends, opportunities and risks. Provide insights to Buyers and leadership to support data-driven decision making.
  • Partner with Buyers to evaluate merchandise performance and develop strategies to optimize assortments, price architecture, and vendor commitments.
  • Work closely with the Allocation team to ensure merchandise is planned and positioned appropriately across the store base to maximize sales and productivity.
  • Build and maintain dashboards and reports that track key performance indicators and support business reviews.
  • Review vendor performance, item productivity and stock performance to recommend opportunities for improvement.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance planning processes, tools and systems to drive efficiency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with teams across Merchandising, Allocation, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing and Stores to align plans and execute strategies.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain or related field required.
  • 4 - 5 years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, buying support or related retail role preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
  • Proficiency in Excel (advanced), PowerPoint and planning/reporting tools. Experience with JDA, Blue Yonder or other retail planning systems preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and partner across teams.
  • Passion for retail, fashion and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

What Variety Wholesalers employees say

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