Merchandise Planner

Crate and Barrel; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in home furnishings is seeking a Merchandise Planner in Northbrook, IL. This on-site role focuses on developing inventory strategies to maximize sales and profitability, working closely with the merchandising team. Candidates should possess strong financial acumen and experience in merchandising.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in merchandising, planning, or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with inventory management and promotional strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end inventory strategy for product category.
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department targets.
• Lead monthly business review to optimize sales and margin.

Skills

Financial acumen

Collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Spreadsheets

Planning tools

Job description

We inspire purpose-filled living that brings beauty and quality to the modern home. Together, we achieve. Associates across our business drive results, innovate, and inspire. Drawn together by our shared values and passion for our customers and our brands, we deliver home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced, and bring timeless style and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.

We’re here for it. We think you should be, too. We’re looking for a driven professional with an inclusive mindset to join our team as a Merchandise Planner.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

The Planner is responsible for the inventory strategy and financial forecasts for a segment of the business. The goal is to maximize company sales growth and profitability by working closely with the Divisional Planning Manager and merchandising team on designing and implementing thoughtful inventory strategies that promote profitable sales growth and satisfy customer demand.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end inventory strategy for product category, including new product buys, reorders, and end-of-life markdowns.
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department and company targets.
• In collaboration with Buyers, forecast sales, margin, and inventory at a category level based on changes in trend strategy or business climate.
• Lead monthly business review (OTB) to determine actions that will optimize sales and gross margin.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Allocation, Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and vendors to enable successful business strategies and flawless execution.
• Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation, and cross-functional needs
• Work with the Buyer partner to develop promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
• Manage category planning operations, including critical deadlines, coding, hunt paths, and product lead times

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong financial acumen and experience in presenting data and analysis
• Lead or support a collaborative work environment within the Merchandising Department focused on distinctive products and an engaged customer experience.
• Strong communication skills within the team and department; work consistency and accuracy
• Aptitude for spreadsheets and planning tools
• Proven ability to work with attention to detail and accuracy

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 3 years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying, or equivalent experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience with inventory management, IT systems, product pipeline process design, and promotional strategies

Minimum Starting Rate: $75,000.00 AnnuallyUp to: $112,000.00 AnnuallyPay ranges will be adjusted upward as needed to comply with applicable state and local law. In addition to your salary, based on your role, associates may be eligible for other compensation including bonuses, sales incentives, and long term incentives.