Strategic Merchandise Planner for Growth & Inventory

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

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.