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Retail Planning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planner

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Advanced Excel skills; experience with retail planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, JDA, Oracle, SAP, or similar). * Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. * Ability to work cross ...

Retail Operations Manager

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

This individual partners cross-functionally with Retail, Planning, Merchandising, Finance, and Facilities to deliver a seamless and elevated store experience that drives sales, profitability, and ...

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Retail Planning information

What is the difference between Retail Planning vs Merchandising?

AspectRetail PlanningMerchandising
Primary FocusDeveloping sales forecasts, inventory plans, and store layoutsSelecting products, pricing, and promotional strategies
Skills & CertificationsData analysis, supply chain knowledge, retail software proficiencyProduct knowledge, visual presentation, negotiation skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, retail chains, planning departmentsRetail stores, buying offices, visual displays
Industry UsageUsed across retail sectors for operational efficiencyUsed for product selection and sales maximization

Retail Planning and Merchandising are closely related roles within the retail industry. Retail Planning focuses on forecasting, inventory management, and store layout strategies to optimize sales and operations. Merchandising, on the other hand, concentrates on product selection, pricing, and promotional activities to attract customers and increase sales. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge but serve different functions in the retail process.

How do you become a retail planner?

To become a retail planner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in retail management, business, marketing, or a related field. Gaining experience in retail operations, data analysis, or merchandising is valuable, along with proficiency in planning tools like Excel or retail software. Developing strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills is essential for success in this role.

What does a retail planning do?

A retail planner is responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing strategies to optimize store layouts, inventory levels, and product placement. They work closely with merchandising, marketing, and store operations to ensure sales targets are met and resources are efficiently allocated. Proficiency in data analysis tools and understanding of market trends are essential for success in this role.

What is planning in retail?

Planning in retail involves developing strategies to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place to meet customer demand. Retail planners analyze sales data, forecast trends, and coordinate inventory, staffing, and store layouts to optimize sales and profitability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Planning jobs in California?

The most popular types of Retail Planning jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Retail Planning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Retail Planning job openings:

Infographic showing various Retail Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Project Manager - Retail Planning

Centric Software

Campbell, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Centric Software:
Centric Software® is a global leader, providing an innovative and AI-enabled product-concept-to-commercialization platform for retailers, brands and manufacturers of all sizes. We equip retail, fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home and consumer goods brands with pioneering best-of-breed solutions to plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products. Our technology powers brands to streamline processes, drive efficiency and operate with confidence in an ever-changing market.
Our story is one of rapid growth, bold ideas and extraordinary opportunities. We're here to challenge the status quo-and we're looking for brilliant people who want to do the same. No matter where you are in the world, this is your chance to be part of something exceptional.
Project Manager - Retail Planning
Location: Remote - North America
Department: Professional Services - Planning
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of Centric Planning implementations across North America. This role is responsible for managing complex enterprise software implementations for leading retailers, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional customer satisfaction.
Working closely with Solution Architects, Technical Architects, Consultants, Customer Success and Sales, you'll guide customers through every phase of implementation while driving delivery excellence and helping evolve our Professional Services methodology.
What You'll Do
  • Lead end-to-end implementation projects for Centric Planning customers across North America
  • Own project scope, schedule, budget, risks, and resource planning
  • Build trusted relationships with customer executives, project sponsors and key stakeholders
  • Facilitate project governance, steering committee meetings and executive status reviews
  • Coordinate cross-functional delivery teams including functional consultants, technical architects and developers
  • Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Ensure projects are delivered with high quality while meeting customer expectations and commercial targets
  • Drive adoption of Project Management Office (PMO) standards, governance and best practices
  • Partner with Product, Customer Success and Global Delivery teams to continuously improve implementation methodologies
  • Support pre-sales engagements by contributing implementation strategies, project estimates and delivery approaches
  • Mentor junior project managers and contribute to building delivery excellence across the North American Planning practice

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years managing enterprise software implementation projects
  • Experience delivering SaaS or cloud-based enterprise applications
  • Retail Planning, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain or Retail Technology experience preferred
  • Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills
  • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
  • Experience with Agile, Waterfall or hybrid delivery methodologies
  • PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent certification is an advantage
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to customer locations

Success in this Role
You'll thrive if you:
  • Build confidence with customers through clear communication
  • Stay calm and organized in complex environments
  • Balance customer success with commercial outcomes
  • Enjoy leading cross-functional teams
  • Continuously improve project delivery processes

Centric Software provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status or genetic information.