Hardware Merchandise Planner | Forecast, Inventory Strategy

Mills Fleet Farm e-Commerce Enterprises, LLC; Appleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Fleet Farm is seeking a Merchandise Planner – Hardware in Appleton, WI, to ensure the right products are available in the right quantities at the right locations and times. You will build forecasts, analyze sales and inventory trends, and partner with Merchandising, Inventory Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and vendors to develop planning strategies that support seasonal demand and launches.

Your insights will influence inventory decisions, forecast accuracy, and the customer experience, as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, Analytics, or related field.
• Experience in retail planning, demand forecasting, merchandise planning, inventory management, or related analytical role preferred.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting, inventory planning, seasonality, promotions, and retail drivers.
• Experience using forecasting, planning, ERP, or inventory management systems such as JDA, Oracle, SAP/APO, or similar platforms.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze large data sets to identify trends.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations and actionable decisions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across Merchandising, Inventory, Marketing, and Supply Chain.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain short- and long-term demand forecasts across Hardware products and store locations.
• Analyze sales, inventory, and forecast data to identify risks and opportunities, including stockouts and excess inventory.
• Incorporate promos, seasonality, product launches, and phase-outs into demand plans.
• Monitor forecast performance and adjust plans to improve accuracy and inventory productivity.
• Collaborate with Category Managers, Inventory Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and vendors to align plans with business goals.
• Use data analysis to develop recommendations and support decisions.
• Proactively adjust forecasts as demand, supply, or market conditions change.
• Support planning for new products, seasonal transitions, assortments, and phase-outs.

Skills

Demand forecasting

Inventory management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Communication

Problem solving

SQL

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

JDA

Oracle

SAP/APO

ERP systems

Job description

Fleet Farm is seeking a Merchandise Planner – Hardware in Appleton, WI, to ensure the right products are available in the right quantities at the right locations and times. You will build forecasts, analyze sales and inventory trends, and partner with Merchandising, Inventory Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and vendors to develop planning strategies that support seasonal demand and launches.

Your insights will influence inventory decisions, forecast accuracy, and the customer experience, as