Sr. Merchandise Planner

Pivotal Talent Search; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal Talent Search in California seeks a Senior Merchandise Planner to develop and execute merchandise plans that maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity. You will work with Buying and Allocation teams, translating insights into actionable financial plans and monitoring key retail metrics.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in retail merchandising planning, strong Excel and BI skills, and a track record of leading cross-functional projects and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail merchandise planning experience
• Strong understanding of retail planning principles, inventory management, and financial forecasting
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and BI reporting tools

Responsibilities

• Develop pre-season sales, inventory, and margin plans that align with objectives and category strategies
• Build and maintain forecasts for sales, inventory, receipts, margin, and turnover
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans to maintain optimal inventory levels and support growth
• Reforecast business performance regularly and adjust inventory strategies to changing demand
• Manage ladder plans and key item forecasts to ensure appropriate inventory levels across seasons
• Present business performance, forecasts, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners
• Collaborate with Buyers and Allocation teams to optimize distribution and assortment
• Lead special projects to improve planning processes and performance
• Mentor junior planning team members and share best practices

Skills

Forecasting

OTB controls

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BI reporting tools

Job description

The Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and executing merchandise plans that maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity across assigned brands or product categories. Working closely with Buying and Allocation teams, this role leverages data, forecasting, and business analysis to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and support strategic merchandising decisions. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, collaborative, and experienced in translating business insights into actionable inventory and financial plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop pre-season sales, inventory, and margin plans that align with overall business objectives and category strategies
• Build and maintain forecasts for sales, inventory, receipts, margin, and turnover based on historical performance and current business trends
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans to maintain optimal inventory levels while supporting sales growth and profitability
• Reforecast business performance regularly and adjust inventory strategies to respond to changing demand and market conditions
• Manage ladder plans and key item forecasts to ensure appropriate inventory levels throughout seasonal selling periods

Business Analysis & Financial Management

• Analyze business performance to identify sales opportunities, inventory risks, and profitability trends
• Develop reporting and ad hoc analyses that support strategic planning and in-season business decisions
• Monitor key retail metrics including sell-through, inventory turnover, margin, average unit retail (AUR), and stock productivity
• Analyze size selling by market to optimize assortment and distribution strategies
• Present business performance, forecasts, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with Buyers to develop seasonal merchandise strategies and category growth plans
• Collaborate with Allocation teams to ensure inventory is distributed effectively based on sales trends and business priorities
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks at the store and category level, recommending appropriate actions
• Support cross-functional initiatives that improve merchandising performance and operational efficiency
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives that improve planning processes and business performance
• Mentor and support junior planning team members, sharing best practices and technical expertise
• Drive process improvements through analytical insights and continuous evaluation of planning methodologies
• Communicate business insights clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• 5+ years of retail merchandise planning experience
• Strong understanding of retail planning principles, inventory management, and financial forecasting
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using reporting and business intelligence tools
• Strong knowledge of Open-to-Buy (OTB), sell-through, inventory turnover, margin, AUR, and other retail planning metrics
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt in a fast-paced retail environment

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field
• Experience leading projects or mentoring junior planners
• Experience working with retail planning systems and business intelligence platforms
• Footwear, apparel, or specialty retail merchandising experience