Merchandise Planner II

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Health insurance

Competitive pay

Career development

Job summary

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. seeks a Senior Merchandise Planner to lead category planning and forecasting, owning sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategies to drive profitability.

You will collaborate with merchandising and analytics teams, analyze data, and guide buyers with strategic inventory decisions to optimize sell-through and margins.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or related analytical role with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaboration with merchandising and analytics teams to plan and forecast merchandise categories aligned to financial and inventory objectives.
• Analyze historical sales, inventory, and trend data to develop accurate, actionable sales forecasts.
• Develop and manage seasonal and monthly inventory plans and assortment strategies to maximize profitability.
• Monitor performance trends and adjust allocation, replenishment, and inventory strategies as conditions change.
• Provide purchasing guidance, inventory controls, and strategic recommendations to buyers.
• Recommend and evaluate markdown and promotional strategies to drive sales and optimize inventory turn.
• Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory levels, category performance, and demand trends; communicate insights to leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and reporting

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Merchandise planning

Risk identification

Spreadsheets proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Analytics/Supply Chain/Merchandising

Tools

Excel

Forecasting platforms

BI tools

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Benefits:* Fuel Your Growth with Love's - company funded tuition assistance* Paid Time Off * 401(k) – 100% Match up to 5% * Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance the first of the month after 30 days * Competitive Pay * Career Development *

Welcome to Love's:The Senior Merchandise Planner partners with merchandising and analytics teams to lead category planning and forecasting activities in alignment with the organization’s financial goals. This role is responsible for developing and owning sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategies, while providing experienced guidance to buyers and influencing cross‑functional decision‑making to maximize profitability and inventory performance.

Job Functions:

• Lead collaboration with merchandising and analytics teams to plan and forecast merchandise categories aligned to financial and inventory objectives
• Analyze historical sales, inventory, and trend data to develop accurate, actionable sales forecasts
• Develop and manage seasonal and monthly inventory plans and merchandise assortment strategies to maximize profitability
• Monitor performance trends and proactively adjust allocation, replenishment, and inventory strategies as business conditions change
• Provide purchasing guidance, inventory controls, and strategic recommendations to buyers
• Recommend and evaluate markdown and promotional strategies to drive sales, optimize sell‑through, and achieve inventory turn targets
• Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory levels, category performance, and demand trends; communicate insights to leadership and stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and reporting

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or a related analytical role and partnering cross‑functionally with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams

Skills and Physical Demands:

• Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret sales, inventory, and trend data to drive forecasting and planning decisions
• Strong financial acumen with focus on profitability, inventory performance, and margin optimization
• Expertise in merchandise planning, forecasting, and assortment strategy development
• Ability to identify risks and opportunities and translate data into clear, actionable recommendations
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets, planning systems, and reporting tools (Excel, forecasting platforms, BI tools)
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with experience partnering with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams
• Effective communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders and provide strategic guidance to leadership
• Attention to detail and ability to monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed

Our Culture:

Fueling customers' journeys since 1964, innovation leads the way for this family-owned and operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City. With nearly 40,000 team members, travel stops are the core business along with products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, traveling public, RVers, alternative energy and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities and an inclusive workplace are hallmarks of the award-winning culture.

Love's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.