Merchandise Planning Manager

Citi Trends; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in New York is searching for a Merchandise Planning Manager to execute strategic initiatives and ensure accurate merchandise plans. Responsibilities include analyzing sales trends and inventory levels, developing seasonal merchandise strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in business or related field and proven experience in retail planning. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in retail planning or inventory management, with a track record of leadership.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and implement profitable merchandise strategies.
• Develop seasonal merchandise plans to maximize opportunities.
• Manage inventory levels and support sales targets.
• Collaborate with teams for effective product strategies.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Knowledge of retail trends

Customer-centric mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or Retail Management

Experience in retail planning or inventory management

Tools

Planning and inventory management software

Job description

Merchandise Planning Manager

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for executing the strategic initiatives within their division, while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all pre‑season and in‑season merchandise plans. The Manager will lead his or her team to effectively analyze multi‑dimensional plans including sales trends, inventory levels, inventory turn and open to buy. The Manager will partner closely with Merchandising, Store Planning and Allocation teams to identify business opportunities and risks and make recommendations accordingly. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to independently provide sound analytics, draw, summarize and communicate conclusions and gain consensus with cross‑functional business partners and leadership. The Merchandise Planning Manager will play a critical role in building a positive work culture, driving employee involvement, and supporting change management efforts within the retail organization.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze, plan, forecast and evaluate financial data to implement and support profitable merchandise strategies.
• Develop seasonal merchandise plans with teams to maximize opportunities and minimize risks.
• Manage inventory levels, open to buy and flow of goods to support sales and product turn targets.
• Evaluate and build in‑season strategies for key classifications and items to drive top‑line sales.
• Build assortment strategies by store cluster that support open to buy by volume groups, weather zone and other key store and product attributes.
• Build seasonal strategies that support profitable product entry and exit by weather zone and/or store attribute.
• Ensure assortment plans are incorporated through store planning and allocation processes to execute merchandise vision downstream.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with merchant counterparts in furtherance of business objectives.
• Collaborate with store planning and allocation teams to maintain synergy between top down and bottom‑up sales and inventory targets and ensure product strategies are executed downstream.
• Participate in company initiatives and/or produce company level analyses as applicable.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a team and multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of retail industry trends and best practices.
• A passion for retail and a customer‑centric mindset.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in retail planning or inventory management, with a track record of leadership.
• Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and an understanding of retail metrics.
• Proficiency in planning and inventory management software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must frequently use their hands to handle or feel objects and must be able to speak and hear clearly.
• The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws is prohibited.