ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Store Planning Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a ... Merchandise Planning Manager Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite Position Summary: AKIRA is ...

Common Arts

Job Captain, Store Planning

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Additional Responsibilities : * Assist the Project Manager in completing Project Manager Checklist ... Division RDC Department Store Planning Locations Long Beach Office, Scottsdale Office Remote status ...

Lowe's

Merchandise Assortment Planner

Mooresville, NC · On-site

... planning, including category and product management, with a focus on retail processes. 1 Year retail assortment store clustering, applying data-driven strategies to optimize product offerings for ...

Asda

Events Planning Manager

House, NM · Hybrid

Job Title Events Planning Manager Location Asda House Employment Type Full time Contract Type ... Company Car allowance of 5,700 * 15% colleague discount in store and online * Free access to ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBusiness JobsProcurement JobsSupply Chain Manager JobsStore Planning Manager Jobs

Store Planning Manager information

See salary details

$26K

$54.1K

$89K

How much do store planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for store planning manager in the United States is $54,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a store planning manager?

Store Planning Managers are professionals responsible for designing and organizing the layout of retail stores to optimize space, enhance customer experience, and maximize sales. They work closely with merchandising, operations, and construction teams to develop floor plans, allocate product placement, and ensure that the store environment aligns with brand standards. Their role often includes analyzing sales data, forecasting space needs, and overseeing store remodels or new store openings. Store Planning Managers play a critical part in driving store performance and supporting business goals.

How does a store planning manager typically collaborate with merchandising and operations teams during new store setups or remodels?

A Store Planning Manager works closely with both merchandising and operations teams to ensure that store layouts align with brand standards and business objectives. During new store setups or remodels, they coordinate fixture placement, product flow, and space allocation based on input from merchandising, while also considering operational efficiency and customer experience. Regular cross-functional meetings and on-site walkthroughs are common, allowing for real-time adjustments and feedback. This collaboration ensures each store launch or remodel is completed on time and supports sales and operational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a store planning manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Store Planning Manager, you need expertise in retail layout design, project management, and a strong understanding of merchandising principles, often supported by a degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, planogram tools, and project scheduling systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring project success. These capabilities are vital to creating efficient, attractive retail environments that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.

What is the difference between Store Planning Manager vs Retail Space Planner?

AspectStore Planning ManagerRetail Space Planner
ResponsibilitiesOversees store layout, design, and overall space utilization, managing teams and coordinating with architects and vendors.Focuses on detailed space analysis, layout optimization, and floor plan development for retail environments.
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, knowledge of retail operations, and design principles.Analytical skills, CAD proficiency, and understanding of retail space metrics.
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate offices, collaborating with cross-functional teams.Often in design studios or retail environments, working closely with architects and designers.

The Store Planning Manager has a broader leadership role overseeing entire store layouts and teams, while the Retail Space Planner specializes in detailed space analysis and layout design. Both roles require knowledge of retail operations and design, but the Store Planning Manager focuses more on project management and strategic planning, whereas the Retail Space Planner emphasizes technical space optimization.

More about Store Planning Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Store Planning Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Store Planning Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Store Planning jobs?

The most popular types of Store Planning jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Store Planning Manager jobs?

The top employers for Store Planning Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Store Planning Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Store Planning Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Store Planning Manager jobs?

For Store Planning Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Store Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Store Planning Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Merchandise Planning Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

AKIRA
Retail • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about AKIRAexternal

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.
AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
The Position: Merchandise Planning Manager
Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite
Position Summary:
AKIRA is seeking a strategic, results-driven Planning Manager to lead merchandise financial planning across multiple categories and channels. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while supporting the company's rapid growth.
The Planning Manager partners closely with Merchandising to influence assortment strategy, pricing, and inventory flow. This individual owns forecasting, open-to-buy, and in-season trade decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, requiring strong analytical skills, agility, and sound financial judgment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Ownership
  • Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
  • Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
  • Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with AKIRA's growth roadmap.
  • Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through

Inventory & Channel Optimization
  • Architect inventory flow strategies that support frequent newness launches and dynamic markdown cadence.
  • Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing frameworks.
  • Improve inventory productivity metrics (WOS, sell-through, turn) through disciplined open-to-buy management and lifecycle planning.
  • Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.

Advanced Forecasting & Analytics
  • Build and refine forecasting models incorporating trend, velocity, and lifecycle analysis.
  • Develop executive-level reporting and dashboards that create transparency and accountability.
  • Champion planning systems enhancements and process optimization.

Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership
  • Serve as a strategic partner to DMM/Directors and Buyers to align financial targets with assortment vision.
  • Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and inventory investment planning.
  • Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen.

Qualifications
  • 7-10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).
  • Proven success operating in a fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound financial decisions under tight timelines.
  • Strong executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership.
  • Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.
  • Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

Success Metrics
  • Achievement and acceleration of sales and gross margin targets.
  • Improved inventory turn and reduced markdown exposure despite high volume of launches.
  • Increased forecast accuracy and inventory flow precision.
  • Successful execution of omnichannel inventory strategies.
  • Elevated planning processes and team performance.

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Planning Role Merchandise Planning Manager Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $130,000 - $160,000 Employment type Full-time

What Akira employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply