Discover rewarding Manager, Merchandise Planning jobs, a critical leadership role at the intersection of data, finance, and retail strategy. Professionals in this field are the strategic architects of a retailer's inventory health, responsible for aligning financial goals with product assortment to maximize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This is a pivotal position that requires a unique blend of analytical prowess, commercial acumen, and people leadership. A Manager, Merchandise Planning typically oversees a team of planners and analysts, guiding the development of comprehensive merchandise financial plans. This involves creating and managing pre-season sales forecasts, setting inventory budgets (often referred to as Open-to-Buy), and determining optimal inventory levels across product categories. Their core mission is to balance the critical trade-off between having sufficient stock to meet customer demand (maximizing sales and availability) and minimizing excess inventory that leads to markdowns and waste. They are deeply involved in the entire product lifecycle, from initial financial planning and assortment strategy through in-season performance tracking and end-of-season liquidation. Common responsibilities for these managers include leading the annual and quarterly planning processes, translating high-level financial targets into actionable category plans, and providing insightful performance analysis to senior leadership and cross-functional partners. They act as a crucial bridge between the merchandising/buying teams, finance, and supply chain, ensuring all decisions are data-driven and aligned with broader business objectives. A significant part of the role involves coaching and developing their team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and mentoring the next generation of planning talent. Typical skills and requirements for Manager, Merchandise Planning jobs include 5+ years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial analysis within a retail environment. A bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field is commonly expected. Essential skills include advanced analytical and forecasting abilities, high proficiency in Excel and retail planning systems (like SAP, JDA, or Oracle), and exceptional communication skills to present complex data clearly. Success in this profession demands strong leadership capabilities, a transformational mindset to drive process improvements, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across a matrix organization. Candidates must be strategic thinkers who can manage ambiguity, prioritize in a fast-paced setting, and synthesize market trends and sales data into actionable strategies. If you are a results-oriented leader passionate about driving retail performance through intelligent planning, exploring Manager, Merchandise Planning jobs could be your next career step.
