Planner

Citi Trends; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CITITRENDS is seeking a data-driven, strategic Merchandise Planner who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and knows how to turn insights into action. This role is critical to driving business performance - owning inventory strategy, influencing buying decisions, and ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time.

You will analyze sales trends, collaborate with Buyers on open-to-buy strategies, forecast demand, and optimize inventory to maximize profitability.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in merchandise or retail planning.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups).
• Ability to forecast demand and guide assortment decisions.
• Experience with planning or inventory systems preferred.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Highly organized with multitasking.
• Understanding retail metrics (sales, margin, turnover).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage inventory plans across multiple categories.
• Partner with Buyers to develop and execute open-to-buy strategies.
• Analyze sales trends, historical data, and customer behavior to forecast demand.
• Monitor product performance and adjust plans to maximize opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Optimize inventory flow to reduce markdowns and stockouts.
• Deliver clear, actionable reporting on key metrics.
• Present insights to leadership to influence business decisions.
• Operate with urgency in a high-volume, results-driven environment.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Analytical mindset

Advanced Excel

Business insights translation

Collaboration with Buyers

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Planning systems

Job description

CITITRENDS is seeking a data-driven, strategic Merchandise Planner who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and knows how to turn insights into action. This role is critical to driving business performance - owning inventory strategy, influencing buying decisions, and ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time.

What You'll Do

• Own and manage inventory plans across multiple categories to support sales, margin, and turnover goals
• Partner closely with Buyers to develop and execute open-to-buy (OTB) strategies
• Analyze sales trends, historical data, and customer behavior to forecast demand and guide assortment decisions
• Monitor product performance and proactively adjust plans to maximize opportunities and mitigate risk
• Optimize inventory flow-balancing stock levels to reduce markdowns, minimize stockouts, and drive profitability
• Deliver clear, actionable reporting on key business metrics (sales, margin, inventory productivity)
• Present insights and recommendations to leadership to influence business decisions
• Operate with urgency and accountability in a high-volume, results-driven environment

What Sets This Role Apart

• Direct impact on business performance and inventory strategy
• High visibility with cross-functional leadership teams
• A fast-moving environment where decisions matter and execution is key
• Opportunity to influence both planning and buying outcomes

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning, retail planning, or inventory management
• Strong analytical mindset with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling)
• Ability to translate data into clear business insights and actions
• Experience with planning or inventory systems (preferred)
• Strong partnership skills-able to collaborate effectively with Buyers and cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Solid understanding of retail metrics including sales, margin, and inventory turnover

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

CITITRENDS is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.