Associate Merchandise Planner

Job – Associate Merchandise Planner

Location: California (Remote)

Duration: 09 Months with possibility of extension

Role Overview

This role sits within merchandising and inventory planning function. The Associate Merchandise Planner is responsible for ensuring the right products are available at the right time by forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and supporting financial planning decisions. You act as a key link among Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Demand Planning, and Vendors to ensure product availability, sales targets, and inventory efficiency goals are met.

Core Responsibilities

1. Pre-Season Planning

• Build brand-level budget and inventory plans before each season
• Collaborate with inventory directors, merchants, and vendors
• Support launch planning for new brands and SKUs

2. Open-to-Buy (OTB) Management

• Own monthly OTB projections, including:
• Sales forecasts
• Gross margin targets
• Inventory and receipts planning
• Reconcile OTB with demand planning systems
• Present findings in cross-functional meetings

3. Forecasting & Demand Alignment

• Partner with demand planning teams to align forecasts
• Adjust inventory and sales assumptions based on performance data

4. New Product & Launch Strategy

• Develop sales and inventory projections for new brand launches
• Plan order flow and SKU-level inventory requirements
• Analyze performance of new products after launch

5. In-Season Analytics & Reporting

• Analyze sales trends, inventory health, and promotional performance
• Perform “hindsight” analysis on seasonal initiatives
• Evaluate key initiatives and identify improvement opportunities

6. Inventory Optimization

• Recommend product assortment improvements
• Identify items to discontinue or reduce
• Support liquidation strategies for overstock or exit brands

7. Vendor & Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate with vendors regarding performance and supply issues
• Collaborate with merchandising and planning teams on inventory decisions
• Escalate delays or risks affecting key launches

8. Planning Support & Coordination

• Guide planning assistants in prioritizing key orders and new launches
• Ensure accurate execution of planning workflows

Key Skills Required

Technical Skills

• Strong Excel and MS Office proficiency
• Ability to work with forecasting and planning systems

Analytical Skills

• Data interpretation and business insight generation
• Forecasting, demand planning, and inventory analysis
• Problem-solving and financial analysis

Soft Skills

• Strong communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to present insights clearly in meetings
• Time management and multitasking in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Collaboration across teams (Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain)

Experience & Education

• 4+ years of experience in merchandising, retail planning, or inventory planning
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Supply Chain, Finance, Business, or related field)
• Experience working in fast-moving retail or consumer goods environment is beneficial

Work Environment

• Mostly desk-based role with virtual meetings
• Hybrid or remote status pending confirmation
• Occasional evening/weekend work during deadlines
• Limited travel possible