Merchandise Planner: Forecast, Optimize Inventory & Growth

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Merchandise Planner to drive sales, optimize inventory, and enhance customer satisfaction through data-driven planning and forecasting.

The role requires a deep understanding of niche markets, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place. The planner will develop financial plans by category and channel, forecast sales and margins, and collaborate with buying and allocation teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail.
• Experience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain merchandise financial plans by category, season, and store/channel.
• Forecast sales, margin, and inventory targets based on historical data and market trends.
• Collaborate with buying teams to build assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies to minimize stockouts and overstocks.
• Partner with allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across stores and channels.
• Identify slow-moving items and propose markdowns, promotions, or reallocation strategies.
• Analyze performance metrics including sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI.
• Prepare weekly/monthly business reviews and present insights to cross-functional teams.
• Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
• Work closely with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and store operations teams.
• Provide planning input for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store openings.
• Communicate inventory risks and opportunities to leadership.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Retail Acumen

Communication

Strategic Mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

JDA

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Merchandise Planner to drive sales, optimize inventory, and enhance customer satisfaction through data-driven planning and forecasting.

The role requires a deep understanding of niche markets, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place. The planner will develop financial plans by category and channel, forecast sales and margins, and collaborate with buying and allocation teams to