Assoc. Merchandise Planner (Hybrid)

Designer Brands; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free virtual health care

401(k) with match

Education assistance

Job summary

Designer Brands, the parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, is seeking an Associate Merchandise Planner in Columbus, OH. You will turn data into insights, shaping how product performs and guiding cross-functional decisions across merchandising teams.

You will build plans, analyze in-season performance, and influence forecasts through data-driven storytelling. The role offers hybrid/remote flexibility and opportunities for professional development within a

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Planning, Allocation, Buying, financial analysis, or a combination of planning and merchant experience.
• BA or BS in Business, Finance, or related field.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with data retrieval and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage weekly sales, markdown, and receipt plans using historical data and trends.
• Translate item strategies into actionable financial targets with planning tools.
• Provide in-season analyses to maximize sales and optimize in-stock levels.
• Deliver bottoms-up reporting and ad hoc analyses on item performance.
• Develop data-driven recommendations to influence forecasts and decisions.
• Collaborate with Store Planning and Allocation to align inventory with targets.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and communicate concepts clearly to varied audiences.

Skills

Excel

MicroStrategy

Enterprise Planning

Data retrieval

Financial analysis

Communication

Stakeholder influence

Time management

Education

BA/BS in Business or Finance

Tools

Enterprise Planning tools

Job description

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you play a key role in shaping how product performs across the business. You'll turn data into insights that influence real decisions, helping ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. Working closely with Merchandising and cross-functional partners, you'll contribute to strategies that balance opportunity and risk while driving results across key items.

What You'll Be Doing

Planning & Strategy

• Build and manage weekly sales, markdown, and receipt plans for key items using both historical data and emerging trends
• Translate item strategies into actionable financial plans using Enterprise Planning tools and performance metrics
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish pre-season financial targets aligned with the merchant vision

Performance Analysis & Insights

• Analyze in-season performance and identify opportunities to maximize sales, optimize in-stock levels, and mitigate risk
• Deliver bottoms-up reporting and ad hoc analyses to recap item-level performance
• Use hindsight and in-season insights to inform future assortment strategies

Business Influence & Decision Support

• Develop clear, solution-oriented recommendations that drive business outcomes
• Influence Merchandise Planners by sharing data-driven insights to optimize forecasts
• Bring a thoughtful point of view grounded in analysis to support decision-making
• Proactively recommend next steps to enable timely, informed actions

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Store Planning and Allocation teams to align inventory plans with store targets
• Participate in cross-functional business meetings to ensure alignment with merchandise strategies
• Facilitate monthly key item review meetings, sharing insights on performance, risks, and opportunities
• Communicate financial concepts clearly and effectively across a variety of audiences

What You'll Need

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Planning, Allocation, Buying, financial analysis, or a combination of planning and merchant experience

Education

• BA or BS in Business, Finance, or related field

Skills

• Strong financial and analytical skills, including data retrieval, organization, and presentation
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to changing demands, with strong time management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, particularly when communicating financial concepts
• Proficiency in Excel, MicroStrategy, and Enterprise Planning tools
• Ability to form a point of view, influence others with data, and recommend strategic actions

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

Your Sole Well-Being:

Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.

Stride with Flexibility:

We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired - wherever you do your best work.

Stepping Up Your Career:

Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.

We are Shoe-Obsessed:

Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.