Merchandise Planner

• Manage designated product categories to achieve sales, profitability, and inventory-turn goals while maximizing working capital
• Analyze category and item performance data to optimize category performance and support company objectives
• Manage Open-To-Buy (OTB) inventory and provide insights into category-level inventory flows
• Forecast, analyze, and manage product demand to optimize stock levels and meet customer demand
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align forecasts, understand promotional impacts, and adjust inventory strategies
• Use demand and supply planning tools to drive accurate forecasting and support forecasted demand with internal teams and vendors
• Conduct sales, margin, and profitability analysis to identify trends and optimize category performance
• Create ad-hoc analyses to support decision-making and inform senior leadership
• Develop inventory replenishment and allocation strategies with Category Managers
• Monitor product mix, manage individual item performance, and ensure effective inventory turnover
• Participate in monthly performance meetings with data-backed insights and recommendations
• Coordinate with imports, quality control, product compliance, and trade compliance teams
• Develop capacity forecasts and collaborate with vendors to meet forecasted demand
• Address overstock, closeout items, and inventory flow challenges
• Create regular reports on inventory status, sales performance, and forecasting accuracy
• Communicate across teams to promote data sharing and transparency

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain/Logistics, or related field
• 3+ years related work experience
• Background in demand forecasting/planning and inventory analysis
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to collaborate, influence, problem solve and drive performance through strong execution skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced level Excel skills
• Knowledge of automated demand and supply planning software
• APICS certification a plus
• Must be located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, or Utah

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in demand forecasting, inventory management, and category performance analysis, leveraging strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency to drive sales and profitability. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory strategies and support business objectives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Demand Forecasting
• Inventory Management
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• APICS Certification

Hard Skills

• Demand Forecasting
• Inventory Analysis
• Sales Analysis
• Profitability Analysis
• Category Performance Optimization
• Open-To-Buy (OTB) Management
• Inventory Replenishment Strategies
• Automated Demand Planning Software
• Data-Backed Insights
• Capacity Forecasting

Soft Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Analytical Skills
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• APICS Certification

Industry Keywords

• Supply Chain
• Logistics
• Inventory Turn
• Sales Performance
• Profitability

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Demand Planning Tools