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Retail Planning Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CUSTOMER PLANNING MANAGER Reports to: Director of Planning & S&OP (Operations) ABOUT THE ROLE You ... Retailers have rules about when orders need to be placed to hit their floor dates. You know those ...

Retail Demand Planning Manager Join Us at Pura--Reimagining Fragrance for the Future At Pura, we believe life is better when it smells good. Fragrance has the unique power to transform spaces ...

As Planning Manager, you will own production planning and scheduling in a complex, fast-moving ... Candidates with planning backgrounds from retail/distribution-only environments may not find this ...

As Planning Manager, you will own production planning and scheduling in a complex, fast-moving ... Candidates with planning backgrounds from retail/distribution-only environments may not find this ...

The Planning Manager oversees a team of production planners, master schedulers, and supply chain ... and retailing applications. Our sales and service network is one of the most extensive in the ...

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Retail Planning Manager information

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$59K

$67.5K

$74.5K

How much do retail planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail planning manager in the United States is $67,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $71,500.00 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.

Why is shopping no longer fun?

As a Retail Planning Manager, understanding changes in shopping experiences involves factors like increased online shopping, reduced in-store engagement, and evolving consumer expectations. Retail environments now focus more on convenience and digital integration, which can diminish the traditional enjoyment of browsing in physical stores.

What is a retail job?

A retail job involves working in stores or outlets that sell products directly to consumers. Roles can include sales, customer service, inventory management, and visual merchandising, often requiring strong communication skills and familiarity with point-of-sale systems.

What does retail mean?

Retail refers to the sale of goods or services directly to consumers through stores, online platforms, or other channels. In a retail planning manager role, understanding retail involves analyzing sales data, managing inventory, and developing strategies to optimize store performance and customer experience.

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.

Is Walmart considered retail?

Walmart is a retail company that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. A Retail Planning Manager at Walmart would be involved in analyzing sales data, inventory management, and store layouts to optimize retail operations. Walmart is widely recognized as one of the largest retail employers globally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Planning Manager, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Retail Planning Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Retail Planning Manager jobs? Cities with the most Retail Planning Manager job openings:
What states have the most Retail Planning Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Retail Planning Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Retail Planning Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Planning Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various Retail Planning Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,499 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Sr. Manager Retail Merchandise Planning - North America

Sr. Manager Retail Merchandise Planning - North America

Patagonia

Ventura, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Manager Retail Merchandise Planning - North America

Team: Retail Merchandising

Scope: People Manager: M4

Year of Experience: 5-7+

Location: Ventura, CA, Hybrid

General Summary:

The Sr. Manager, Retail Merchandise Planning - North America leads the merchandising, sales, and inventory planning strategy for Patagonia's owned retail stores across North America (US and Canada). This role owns, in collaboration with the Global Product and Retail Operations teams, the development and execution of seasonal and longrange plans that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity, while reinforcing Patagonia's commitment to product integrity, engaging consumer experience, and responsible growth. The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, datadriven planning leader who can balance commercial performance with Patagonia's mission and values.

What You'll Do:

  • Own the North America retail merchandising, seasonal buys, and store segmentation that brings to life Patagonia's product and community engagement vision.
  • Lead seasonal and longrange retail financial strategies (sales, margin, AUR, markdowns, inventory, turn, WOS) that support sustainable, responsible growth across the NA network.
  • Set and monitor inventory flow strategies in alignment with cross channel partners, balancing pre-season buys, replenishment, and new product intros across store clusters.
  • Partner with Marketing, Retail Operations, Visual Merch, and Allocation to align seasonal sales and inventory plans with storelevel inventory strategies that optimize consumer experience and financial performance.
  • Develop and mentor planning talent, build strong analytical capability, business acumen, and strategic thinking across the retail planning team.
  • Establish clear operating processes and planning frameworks that drive accountability, transparency, and effective decisionmaking.
  • Champion the use of modern tools and processes to improve forecast accuracy, efficiency, and team's focus on insights and strategy that balances quantitative and qualitative execution.
  • Partner closely with Merch Financial partners to align retail plans to regional and global targets and clearly articulate variance drivers, tradeoffs, and recovery paths.
  • Lead weekly and monthly NA retail business reviews diagnosing performance vs. plan and recommending corrective actions.
  • Partner with Retail Allocation and Outlet Planning team to support markdown and clearance strategies to optimize a clean and healthy marketplace.
  • Align with eCommerce and Digital partners to leverage omni-insights while maintaining channelappropriate strategies for retail.
  • Collaborate with channel partners on product feedback and market opportunities.
  • Represent NA Retail in GTM milestones and crossfunctional forums, influencing decisions through clear, databacked insights.

Who You Are:

  • Analytical - Ability to collect, process, and interpret complex information to make decisions
  • Storyteller - Strong written, visual, and verbal communication skills to create cross functional alignment connecting product to the consumer
  • Team Player- Strong collaborative tendencies and team development skills
  • Adaptable- Ability to remain flexible to change within the work environment and scope of responsibility
  • Resilient - Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines

What You Bring

  • 5-7+ years of merchandise planning experience in retail, with deep ownership of sales, margin, and inventory performance; apparel or outdoor lifestyle strongly preferred.
  • Proven expertise in retail MFP, forecasting, OTB, and inseason inventory management.
  • Strong analytical skills set, including advanced Excel and experience with planning/allocation systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and influence crossfunctional teams without direct authority.
  • Omnichannel planning background with strong understanding of retail vs. eComm dynamics.
  • Experience developing and mentoring planners or analysts to create a high performing team that can operate in the details as well as at a product strategy level.
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution in an evolving environment.
  • Alignment with Patagonia's mission and values, including responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

Hiring Range:$145,000-$165,000 USD Annual

At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget. Note the full pay range for this role ranges from: $140,100.00 - 210,100.00 USD Annual. The Hiring Range reflects where in the range we intend to hire for this role.

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans.Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.

Workplace Location Overview

This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.

Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.