Associate Merchandise Planner

Hot Topic, Inc.; California; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hot Topic, Inc. is seeking an Associate Merchandise Planner to drive inventory efficiency and sales performance. This role will work cross-functionally to optimize stock levels, analyze trends, and support business growth from our HQ in City of Industry, CA. The position offers a hybrid schedule three days a week.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years in retail planning with strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and collaboration abilities. VBA/AI experience is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in retail planning or inventory management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Proficiency in Excel and an understanding of data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sales and inventory levels to support business goals.
• Analyze product performance and customer demand to optimize assortment.
• Manage and maintain the open-to-buy process, providing recommendations to ensure alignment of sales, margin, and inventory goals.
• Leverage KPIs such as sales, margin, and sell-through to proactively highlight opportunities, mitigate risks, and influence proper inventory levels.
• Work closely with buying and marketing teams when planning promotional strategy.
• Use analytics tools to generate insights and assist with reporting.
• Evaluate competitive retail trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for assortment and pricing strategies.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Excel proficiency

Data analysis

Communication skills

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Fast-paced environment

VBA/AI experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Do you have the organizational skills of Belle keeping her library in order or the strategic mind of Doctor Strange planning ten steps ahead? We are seeking a proactive and analytical Associate Merchandise Planner to play a key role in driving inventory efficiency and sales performance. This role is ideal for someone with foundational experience in planning who is ready to take the next step in their career. If you have the determination of T’Challa leading Wakanda, the problem-solving skills of Peter Parker balancing life and responsibility, and the drive of Mulan proving her worth, then this is the opportunity for you! You'll work cross-functionally to optimize stock levels, analyze trends, and contribute to business growth. This role operates on a hybrid schedule and will require to work from our HQ located in the City of Industry, CA, three days a week.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Monitor sales and inventory levels to support business goals.
• Analyze product performance and customer demand to optimize assortment.
• Manage and maintain the open-to-buy process, providing recommendations to ensure alignment of sales, margin, and inventory goals.
• Leverage KPIs such as sales, margin, and sell-through to proactively highlight opportunities, mitigate risks, and influence proper inventory levels.
• Work closely with buying and marketing teams when planning promotional strategy.
• Use analytics tools to generate insights and assist with reporting.
• Evaluate competitive retail trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for assortment and pricing strategies.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in retail planning or inventory management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Proficiency in Excel and an understanding of data analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• VBA and/or AI experience is a plus but not required.