Merchandise Planner - MLB/NFL Apparel/Licensed Novelty

Academy Sports + Outdoors; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors seeks a planning-focused professional to support financial and assortment planning for improved sales, profits, and inventory control.

You will build item-level plans, reconcile quarterly or seasonal assortments with targets, and generate insights to guide smarter buying decisions and inventory flow. Collaboration with buyers and planning teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of related work experience.
• Experience in a retail environment preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve problems and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment while staying organized and detailed.
• Knowledge of retail math and the ability to use it in planning and analysis.
• Experience using planning and analytics tools such as Microsoft Office, Oracle, SAS, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Support the buying organization in hitting sales, profit, and inventory goals through financial and assortment planning.
• Build class and subclass insights, create item-level plans, and reconcile assortment plans with financial targets.
• Monitor trends, manage open-to-buy, and provide data-driven insights to vendor discussions.
• Collaborate with replenishment, buyers, and planning managers to maintain financial plans and timelines.

Skills

Analysis

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Research

Operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

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!

What You Will Work On

You will help the buying organization hit sales, profit, and inventory goals through thoughtful financial and assortment planning. Daily work includes building class and subclass insights, creating item-level plans, and reconciling quarterly or seasonal assortment plans with financial targets. Your analysis supports smarter buying decisions, better inventory flow, and a stronger overall assortment for customers.

Evaluate proposed actions and timelines to keep internal and external stakeholders on track for key deadlines. Collaboration with replenishment, buyers, and planning managers is central as you maintain financial plans, manage open-to-buy, and monitor trends. Along the way, you will use planning systems and reporting tools to generate insights, support vendor discussions, and identify best practices to apply to the business.

Who You Will Work With

Work closely with Buyers, Planning Managers, and the Replenishment team to align financial plans, assortment strategies, and inventory decisions.

There will also be collaboration with vendors and cross-functional partners as you share projections, discuss trends, and support decisions with clear data and recommendations.

What You Bring

Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent work experience required

• 5+ years of related work experience required

• Experience in a retail environment preferred

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve problems and develop creative solutions

• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment while staying organized and detailed

• Knowledge of retail math and the ability to use it in planning and analysis

• Experience using Microsoft Office, Oracle, SAS, or similar planning and analysis tools

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with partners at various levels

• A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you’re happy to step in wherever you’re needed

Work Style and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

• Ability to travel domestically up to 5%, including occasional overnight stays

• Regular in-office attendance is required

• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

• Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Key Skills

Analysis, Problem Solving, Process Improvement, Research, Operations

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.