Merchandise Planner #2442

Gilder Search Group; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Merchandising Planner in Gardena, CA to develop pre-season sales, inventory and margin plans for assigned brands or product categories. You will collaborate with Buying and Allocation teams, translate data insights into actionable financial plans, and drive inventory productivity.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in retail planning, strong Excel and BI skills, and a proven ability to forecast, monitor sell-through, and present findings to leadership.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of retail merchandise planning experience.
• Strong understanding of retail planning principles, inventory management, and forecasting.
• Advanced Excel skills and BI/reporting tool usage.
• Knowledge of OTB, sell-through, turnover, margin, and AUR.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop pre-season sales, inventory, and margin plans aligned with objectives.
• Build and maintain forecasts for sales, inventory, receipts, margin, and turnover.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Reforecast business performance and adjust inventory strategies.
• Manage ladder plans and key item forecasts to maintain inventory levels.
• Analyze business performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Present performance, forecasts, and recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with Buyers and Allocation teams to plan by category.
• Share knowledge and drive process improvements.
• Communicate insights clearly to stakeholders across the organization.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Retail planning

Forecasting

Open-to-Buy (OTB)

Data analysis

Inventory management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Presentation skills

Priority management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's in Business/Finance/Merchandising/Retail Management

Tools

Business intelligence platforms

Job description

Overview

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and executing merchandise plans that maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity across assigned brands or product categories. Working closely with Buying and Allocation teams, this role leverages data, forecasting, and business analysis to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and support strategic merchandising decisions. The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative, and skilled at translating business insights into actionable inventory and financial plans.

Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Forecasting

• Develop pre-season sales, inventory, and margin plans that align with overall business objectives and category strategies
• Build and maintain forecasts for sales, inventory, receipts, margin, and turnover based on historical performance and current business trends
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans to maintain optimal inventory levels while supporting sales growth and profitability
• Reforecast business performance regularly and adjust inventory strategies to respond to changing demand and market conditions
• Manage ladder plans and key item forecasts to maintain appropriate inventory levels throughout seasonal selling periods

Business Analysis & Financial Management

• Analyze business performance to identify sales opportunities, inventory risks, and profitability trends
• Develop reporting and ad hoc analyses that support strategic planning and in-season business decisions
• Monitor key retail metrics including sell-through, inventory turnover, margin, average unit retail (AUR), and stock productivity
• Analyze size selling by market to optimize assortment and distribution strategies
• Present business performance, forecasts, and recommendations to merchandising leadership

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with Buyers to develop seasonal merchandise strategies and category plans
• Collaborate with Allocation teams to ensure inventory is distributed effectively based on sales trends and business priorities
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks at the store and category level, recommending appropriate actions
• Support cross-functional initiatives that improve merchandising performance and operational efficiency

Project Support & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in special projects that improve planning processes and business performance
• Share knowledge and best practices with teammates while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Recommend process improvements based on data analysis and business trends
• Communicate business insights and recommendations clearly to stakeholders across the organization

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• 3+ years of retail merchandise planning experience
• Strong understanding of retail planning principles, inventory management, and financial forecasting
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using reporting and business intelligence tools
• Strong knowledge of Open-to-Buy (OTB), sell-through, inventory turnover, margin, AUR, and other retail planning metrics
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field
• Experience working with retail planning systems and business intelligence platforms
• Footwear, apparel, or specialty retail merchandising experience
• Experience supporting seasonal planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization initiatives