Senior Merchandise Planner

FashionUnited; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Well-being benefits

Associate discount

Summer Fridays

Job summary

J.Crew in New York is seeking a Senior Planner to drive the financial success of the planning department by developing preseason and in-season sales, margin, and inventory plans. You’ll forecast trends, influence buying decisions, and lead a small team with mentorship responsibilities.

This in-office role requires you to work from our New York office Tuesday through Thursday, with benefits including health coverage, associate discount, and seasonal perks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, or financial analysis.
• Proven ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and influence decision-making.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and forecasting skills with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead preseason planning: develop sales, margin, and inventory plans by department and class.
• Analyze opportunities and risks across product categories using metrics like margin rate and cost.
• Develop seasonal strategies to align with divisional goals and customer demand.
• Present preseason financial recommendations and investment strategies to cross-functional teams.
• Lead weekly/monthly business recaps, analyze performance vs forecast, and adjust plans accordingly.
• Manage Open-to-Buy and collaboration with Merchandising/Allocation for optimal product flow.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

Planning tools

Job description

J.Crew gets you dressed every day, for every occasion.

Since 1983, we’ve been creating classics that feel familiar and refreshingly new, crafted with unbeatable quality and distinctive point of view—it’s no wonder we’ve been in your closet for four decades and counting.

Today, we continue to do the classics our way, inspiring not only how you shop but how you define your personal style. Our commitment runs deeper than just making great clothes—we’re proud of our role in getting you dressed with confidence, character, and celebrating a distinctly American sensibility that makes us who we are.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

The Role + Purpose

As a Senior Planner, you’ll drive the financial success of a critical department by developing and executing sales, margin, and inventory plans that balance strategy and execution. You’ll take ownership of preseason and in-season planning, providing insights that influence buying decisions, assortment strategies, and receipt flow. This role combines analytical strength with strategic foresight — requiring someone who can forecast with precision, identify opportunities, and communicate recommendations that drive profitable growth. You’ll partner closely with Merchandising, Allocation, and your Planning Manager, while also managing and developing a direct report.

Responsibilities:

Preseason

• Partner with manager and merchant partners to develop high-level department strategy

• Lead the creation of preseason sales, margin, and inventory plans by department and class using historical performance and trend analysis to inform future investments and balancing department and class targets

• Develop bottoms-up style plan, in partnership with Merchandising, making recommendations on rank, depth of buy, and flow timing

• Analyze and summarize opportunities and risks across product categories based on key metrics such as markup, margin rate, and average unit cost

• Develop seasonal strategies that align with divisional goals and customer demand, ensuring optimized style counts, flow, and depth

• Present preseason financial recommendations and investment strategies to cross-functional teams and leadership

• Partner with cross-functional peers to refine planning tools, processes, and reporting that enhance financial visibility and efficiency

In Season

• Lead weekly and monthly business recaps, providing analysis of performance versus forecast and identifying drivers of variance

• Manage ongoing sales, margin, and inventory forecasts, reflowing receipts and adjusting plans to align with current business trends

• Collaborate with Merchandising and Allocation to determine optimal product flow, replenishment, and markdown strategies

• Drive OTB (Open-to-Buy) management, ensuring inventory positions align with financial goals and opportunities

• Recommend and communicate cross-channel inventory transfers or actions to maximize sales and profitability

• Partner with manager and cross-functional leadership to provide insights and recommend actions that drive profitable growth

Other

• Manage a direct report, supporting the development of analytical and planning skills

• Support the creation and enhancement of reports and templates used across the planning organization

Qualifications:

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, or financial analysis

• Proven ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and influence decision-making

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and forecasting skills with advanced Excel proficiency

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members

• Familiarity with enterprise-level planning tools and reporting systems

• Strong understanding of retail metrics, including sell-through, turn, and inventory-to-sales ratios

• Demonstrated success driving financial results through strategic planning and in-season optimization

This role follows our in-office work model, requiring associates to work from our New York office Tuesday through Thursday each week, effective September 8, 2026.

Benefits + Perks

• Health & Well-being -Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance,family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

• Associate Discount -We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

• Summer Fridays -In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.

• Community Impact -We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

• Winter Break -In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

Salary Range: $86,400.00 - $111,700.00

Our Story

J.Crew gets you dressed every day, for every occasion.

Since 1983, we’ve been creating classics that feel familiar and refreshingly new, crafted with unbeatable quality and distinctive point of view—it’s no wonder we’ve been in your closet for four decades and counting.

Today, we continue to do the classics our way, inspiring not only how you shop but how you define your personal style. Our commitment runs deeper than just making great clothes—we’re proud of our role in getting you dressed with confidence, character, and celebrating a distinctly American sensibility that makes us who we are.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

The Role + Purpose

As a Senior Planner, you’ll drive the financial success of a critical department by developing and executing sales, margin, and inventory plans that balance strategy and execution. You’ll take ownership of preseason and in-season planning, providing insights that influence buying decisions, assortment strategies, and receipt flow. This role combines analytical strength with strategic foresight — requiring someone who can forecast with precision, identify opportunities, and communicate recommendations that drive profitable growth. You’ll partner closely with Merchandising, Allocation, and your Planning Manager, while also managing and developing a direct report.

Responsibilities:

Preseason

• Partner with manager and merchant partners to develop high-level department strategy

• Lead the creation of preseason sales, margin, and inventory plans by department and class using historical performance and trend analysis to inform future investments and balancing department and class targets

• Develop bottoms-up style plan, in partnership with Merchandising, making recommendations on rank, depth of buy, and flow timing

• Analyze and summarize opportunities and risks across product categories based on key metrics such as markup, margin rate, and average unit cost

• Develop seasonal strategies that align with divisional goals and customer demand, ensuring optimized style counts, flow, and depth

• Present preseason financial recommendations and investment strategies to cross-functional teams and leadership

• Partner with cross-functional peers to refine planning tools, processes, and reporting that enhance financial visibility and efficiency

In Season

• Lead weekly and monthly business recaps, providing analysis of performance versus forecast and identifying drivers of variance

• Manage ongoing sales, margin, and inventory forecasts, reflowing receipts and adjusting plans to align with current business trends

• Collaborate with Merchandising and Allocation to determine optimal product flow, replenishment, and markdown strategies

• Drive OTB (Open-to-Buy) management, ensuring inventory positions align with financial goals and opportunities

• Recommend and communicate cross-channel inventory transfers or actions to maximize sales and profitability

• Partner with manager and cross-functional leadership to provide insights and recommend actions that drive profitable growth

Other

• Manage a direct report, supporting the development of analytical and planning skills

• Support the creation and enhancement of reports and templates used across the planning organization

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, or financial analysis

• Proven ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and influence decision-making

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and forecasting skills with advanced Excel proficiency

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members

• Familiarity with enterprise-level planning tools and reporting systems

• Strong understanding of retail metrics, including sell-through, turn, and inventory-to-sales ratios

• Demonstrated success driving financial results through strategic planning and in-season optimization

This role follows our in-office work model, requiring associates to work from our New York office Tuesday through Thursday each week, effective September 8, 2026.

Benefits + Perks

• Health & Well-being -Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance,family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

• Associate Discount -We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

• Summer Fridays -In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.

• Community Impact -We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

• Winter Break -In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

Salary Range: $86,400.00 - $111,700.00

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’sgeographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCGis creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.