Strategic Merchandise Planning Manager — Omnichannel

AKIRA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Pet Insurance

Life, LTD

FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA

401(k)

Employee discount

Job summary

AKIRA is seeking a strategic Merchandise Planning Manager in Chicago, onsite, to lead financial planning across multiple categories and channels. You will drive sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while partnering with Merchandising to influence assortment, pricing, and inventory flow.

You will own forecasting, open-to-buy, and in-season trade decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, leveraging strong analytical skills and sound financial judgment.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).
• Fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.
• Strong financial decision-making under tight timelines.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
• Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
• Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with growth roadmap.
• Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Forecasting

Open-to-buy

Sales & margin optimization

Leadership

Omnichannel planning

Analytical thinking

Tools

Excel

Planning systems

Reporting tools

Job description

AKIRA is seeking a strategic Merchandise Planning Manager in Chicago, onsite, to lead financial planning across multiple categories and channels. You will drive sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while partnering with Merchandising to influence assortment, pricing, and inventory flow.

You will own forecasting, open-to-buy, and in-season trade decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, leveraging strong analytical skills and sound financial judgment.