Hybrid Merchandise Planner: Drive Inventory and Growth

Hot Topic, Inc.; California; Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Hot Topic in City of Industry, CA is seeking an Associate Merchandise Planner to drive inventory efficiency and sales performance. You will analyze trends, maintain open-to-buy processes, and work cross-functionally with buying and marketing to optimize assortment.

Qualified candidates have 1–2 years in retail planning, a business degree, strong Excel skills, and a data-driven mindset. Hybrid schedule; three days in HQ; salary range $67,000–$77,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or 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 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.

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 skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Hot Topic in City of Industry, CA is seeking an Associate Merchandise Planner to drive inventory efficiency and sales performance. You will analyze trends, maintain open-to-buy processes, and work cross-functionally with buying and marketing to optimize assortment.

Qualified candidates have 1–2 years in retail planning, a business degree, strong Excel skills, and a data-driven mindset. Hybrid schedule; three days in HQ; salary range $67,000–$77,000 per year.