Merchandise Planner - Camping/Water Sports

3M HEALTHCARE; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors is seeking a data-driven Planning Analyst to support the Buying department with sales, profit, and inventory objectives. You will engage in financial and assortment planning, provide weekly category insights, and build quarterly plans aligned with financial targets.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience in retail, and the ability to collaborate across teams while adapting to changing priorities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related work experience required.
• Experience in a retail environment preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study or equivalent years of related work experience required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Ability to interface with individuals at various levels and maintain customer perspective.

Responsibilities

• Assist Buying to achieve sales, profit, and inventory objectives.
• Use planning and analysis procedures in financial and assortment planning.
• Provide class/sub class insights in weekly Category Management Team meetings.
• Complete item level planning and analysis.
• Create quarterly/seasonal assortment plans and reconcile with financial plan.
• Collaborate with Replenishment on weekly needs and with Buyers and Planning Managers to maintain plans.
• Manage Open To Buy and track trends; observe industry trends for best practices.
• Utilize planning systems for data analysis and reporting; attend vendor meetings as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Presentation skills

Ability to interface at various levels

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Oracle

SAS

Job description

Who We Are

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose‑driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you’re starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related work experience required
• Experience in a retail environment preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study or equivalent years of related work experience required
• Strong analytical skills, with strong problem‑solving abilities and creative resolution skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interface effectively with individuals at various levels
• Ability to maintain the customer’s perspective as a driving force behind business decisions and activities
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload in a fast‑paced, frequently changing environment while remaining detailed and organized
• Ability to find and maximize business opportunities for growth and profitability for assigned category
• Effective time‑management skills to support multiple projects and effectively manage a large volume of work
• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems
• Ability to make decisions and choose a course of action or develop solutions based on facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Knowledge of retail math required
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, Oracle, SAS (or equivalent planning software experience preferred)
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Regular attendance required
• 5% domestic travel, overnight stays as needed
• Ability to work flexible hours such as evening, weekends, and holidays as necessary

Responsibilities

• Assist the Buying department to achieve sales, profit, and inventory related objectives through efficient planning and analysis
• Utilize planning and analysis procedures throughout the financial and assortment planning process
• Provide class/sub class insights in weekly Category Management Team meetings
• Complete item level planning, item attributing, and analysis
• Create quarterly/seasonal assortment business plan and reconcile with financial plan
• Evaluate proposed actions and timelines to meet all deadlines for internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with Replenishment team on weekly needs
• Build financial plans and collaborate with Buyers and Planning Managers to maintain them
• Manage Open To Buy and stay abreast of trends
• Observe industry trends to apply best‑in‑class practices to Academy
• Utilize planning system for data analysis and report generation
• Attend vendor meetings to provide updated projections, as needed
• Develop a thorough understanding of Academy policies, procedures, and safety rules
• Duties may change; team member may be required to perform other duties as assigned

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.