Category Planner

Jobtailor; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

7-Eleven, Inc is seeking a Category Planner in Irving, Texas. This pivotal role focuses on supporting the financial performance of merchandise categories through financial planning and performance analysis. Responsibilities include developing financial plans, conducting performance verification, and creating executive reports on merchandise performance.

The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in retail planning and proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for influencing stakeholders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, or analytics.
• Experience with merchandise planning tools and category management preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial plans through cross-functional collaboration.
• Conduct performance verification and ensure accountability.
• Create reports and presentations on merchandising performance.

Skills

Financial acumen

Analytical reasoning

Strategic business partnership

Data visualization

Proficiency with AI tools

Education

3+ years in retail planning/merchandising

Tools

Microsoft Excel

AI diagnostic tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary

The Category Planner plays a critical role in supporting the strategic and financial performance of assigned merchandise categories. Acting as the Business Partner for the Category Managers, this role leads financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis, using advanced analytics to drive data‑backed decisions. The Category Planner partners cross‑functionally to support assortment, pricing, and promotional planning—ensuring alignment with 7‑Eleven’s business objectives and financial targets.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop monthly and annual category financial plans through partnering with Category Managers and cross‑functional teams to deliver sales and profit targets.
• Conduct monthly verification of merchandise performance and initiatives across categories, ensuring accountability and progress toward annual financial goals.
• Build and input mid‑month and end‑of‑month forecasts using historical performance, current trends, and insights on planned strategies from cross‑functional teams.
• Provide reporting and insights about results by month, quarter, and annually to support category teams by understanding performance drivers, communicating cross‑functionally through MBRs, and reassessing category plans to drive growth and ensure strategies are achieved.
• Partner with Demand Chain to monitor inventory levels and sales, identify product performance and inventory needs, and provide forecasting guidance for new items, promotions, and overstocks.
• Create executive‑level reports and presentations (e.g., BOD, IR, SLT) detailing merchandise performance and proposing fact‑based strategies to optimize results and meet annual financial goals.
• Support the merchandising team with scenario planning and financial modeling to ensure effective development of category plans, mitigate risk, and improve profitability.
• Provide insights and thought leadership in developing tactical and strategic category and merchandise plans (1‑5 Years).
• Showcase ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities while consistently executing at a high level.

Education and Experience

3+ years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, demand forecasting, inventory management, finance, or analytics. Experience with merchandise planning tools and prior category management preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and intermediate AI tools, including use of AI for diagnostics and planning. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make actionable recommendations. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels. Comfortable working in a matrix organization with fast‑paced, cross‑functional collaboration.

Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Financial acumen and forecasting
• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
• Strategic business partnership
• Agile mindset and adaptability
• Data visualization and storytelling
• Proficiency in technical tools

Position not eligible for Sponsorship

Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annual