Associate Planner - Morgan Hill, CA

Shoe Palace; United States; On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

SP discount

Job summary

Shoe Palace is seeking an Associate Planner to turn data into strategy, joining a planning team that drives merchandising, financial planning, inventory management, and business analysis. You’ll partner with Buying to develop plans, monitor performance, and help drive profitable decisions across the business.

This role involves open-to-buy management, pre-season planning, in-season analyses, and collaboration to optimize inventory levels while supporting growth and core programs.

Qualifications

• BS or BA degree required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in planning, merchandising, inventory management, or related area preferred.
• Internship or coursework in retail planning or merchandising is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel; strong data analysis exposure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and managing departmental financial plans to support merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with buying teams to create style and category strategies aligned with financial objectives.
• Monitor performance and recommend changes to enhance profitability and productivity.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) at department/category level with monthly leadership presentations.
• Develop pre-season financial plans and in-season analyses for style/category ownership.
• Develop entrance/exit strategies for new, seasonal and core programs.
• Monitor inventory levels and align with sales forecasts and merchandising strategies.
• Prepare reports and analyses to inform decision-making for the team and management.
• Create and manage weekly sales, inventory, and receipt plans for core styles.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Data analysis tools

Communication

Collaboration

Education

BS or BA degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

AT SHOE PALACE WE RUN. WE SELL. WE HAVE FUN!

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

THE ROLE

Are you ready to turn data into strategy?

The Associate Planner is a key member of the Planning team, supporting merchandising strategies through financial planning, inventory management, and business analysis. In this role, you will partner closely with Buying teams to develop financial plans, monitor business performance, and help drive profitable decisions across the business.

Shoe Palace is unlike any other retailer. Are you ready?

THIS IS WHAT A DAY AT WORK MAY BE LIKE

• The Associate Planner assists in developing and managing departmental financial plans to support merchandising strategies.
• This role collaborates closely with buying teams to create style and category strategies aligned with financial objectives.
• The Associate Planner monitors performance and recommends changes to enhance profitability and productivity. Under the guidance of the Planning Manager, the associate planner will support in various planning activities to gain deeper exposure to planning processes.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) at the department and/or category level with monthly presentation to company leadership.
• Develop pre-season financial plans and in-season analyses, including units, sales, and margin at style, or category levels for areas of ownership and works with buyers to execute buys that support these plans.
• Develop profitable entrance and exit strategies with buyers for new, seasonal and core programs.
• Monitor inventory levels and help ensure alignment with sales forecasts and merchandising strategies.
• Develop and prepare reports and analyses to inform decision-making by the team and management.
• Create, update, and manage weekly sales, inventory, and receipt plans to maintain optimal inventory levels for core styles (ladder planning).

ABOUT YOU

• BS or BA degree required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in planning, merchandising, inventory management, or a related area preferred.
• Internship or coursework in retail planning or merchandising is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to deal with ambiguity and complexities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including advanced-level Excel, and familiarity with data analysis tools.
• Proficient communication and collaboration abilities.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE

A sense of belonging. A team driven by performance, accountability, and collaboration.

A sense of purpose. GRIT. We make decisions that move the business forward.

A sense of impact. Your work directly supports merchandising decisions, inventory strategy, and company growth.

A sense of fun. WE RUN. WE SELL. WE HAVE FUN.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• your SP discount

Shoe Palace is one of the most trusted athletic footwear and apparel retail chains in the United States. What began as a small family business in 1993 has grown into a nationally recognized brand with a strong retail presence and a growing online platform at shoepalace.com.

At Shoe Palace, we believe in rolling up our sleeves and doing what it takes to stay ahead. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to create something meaningful. We are seeking motivated individuals who are innovative thinkers and strong collaborators who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and are eager to contribute to the continued growth of Shoe Palace Corporation.

Pay Range: $71,000.00-$71,000.00

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.