Planner, Merchandise

Crate & Barrel; Northbrook (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel is looking for a Planner, Merchandise in Northbrook, IL, responsible for inventory strategy and financial forecasts to maximize sales growth. This on-site role offers remote flexibility on Fridays.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience in merchandising or equivalent roles and will manage inventory strategies, collaborate closely with the merchandising team, and influence future product assortments.

Strong financial acumen and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with inventory management and IT systems.
• Experience in product pipeline process design and promotional strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end inventory strategy for product category.
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with targets.
• Forecast sales and inventory based on trends.
• Deliver promotional strategies to maximize profitability.
• Lead monthly business reviews to optimize sales.
• Provide analysis to influence future purchases.
• Build cross-functional partnerships for successful strategies.
• Drive planning and forecasting for ordering and allocation.
• Manage category planning operations and product lead times.

Skills

Strong financial acumen

Collaborative mindset

Strong communication skills

Detail orientation

Proficiency with spreadsheets and planning tools

Job description

The Planner, Merchandise is responsible for the inventory strategy and financial forecasts for a segment of the business, with a goal of maximizing company sales growth and profitability. This role works closely with the Divisional Planning Manager and merchandising team on designing and implementing thoughtful inventory strategies that promote profitable sales growth and satisfy customer demand. This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

A day in the life as a Planner, Merchandise

• Manage end-to-end inventory strategy for product category including new product buys, reorders and end-of-life markdowns
• Develop pre-season plans in coordination with department and company targets
• In collaboration with Buyers, forecast sales, margin and inventory at a category level based on changes in trend strategy or business climate
• In partnership with the Buyer, deliver promotional strategies that maximize profitability
• Lead monthly business review (OTB) to determine actions that will optimize sales and gross margin
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence future purchases and assortment strategies
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to enable successful business strategies and flawless execution
• Drive item planning and forecasting for ordering, allocation and cross-functional need
• Manage category planning operations, including critical deadlines, coding, hunt paths and product lead‑times

What you’ll bring to the table

• Strong financial acumen and experience in presenting data and analysis
• A collaborative mindset, and focus on an engaged customer experience
• Strong communication skills within team and department
• Detail orientation, with focus on consistency and accuracy
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and planning tools

We’d love to hear from you if you have

• 3+ years in merchandising, planning/allocation, buying or equivalent experience
• Experience with inventory management, IT systems, product pipeline process design, and promotional strategies