Associate Merchandise Planner

Guitar Center Stores • Frederick, MD

294d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Associate, Merchandise Planning is a hybrid role bridging Merchandise Planning and Category Management, supporting the achievement of financial and strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include financial interpretation, planning, forecasting and operational support to optimize business outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline.
• 3-5 years direct experience in retail, store operations, merchandising or allocation.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy in reporting, planning, and operational execution.
• Analytical and Financial Acumen: Ability to interpret and analyze data to drive business decisions.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work effectively across teams.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle evolving priorities and seasonal needs.
• Knowledge of MS Office computer programs is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning and Forecasting
• Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning: Interpret and align financial targets by channel and department.
• Bottoms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans: Develop detailed financial plans that support and align with category strategies.
• Rolling Forecasts: Maintain and update rolling forecasts at the department level in collaboration with Planners and Category Managers.
• Product Flow and Risk Mitigation: Review and analyze inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Weekly and monthly performance metrics.
• Special events and seasonal peak analysis.
• Vendor performance and inventory updates.
• Prepare actionable insights through regular and ad hoc reports.
• Provide data-driven support for strategic and tactical decision-making as needed.
• Act as a point of contact to review, prioritize, and resolve internal communication requests.
• Partner with Planners, Category Managers, and other stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategies.
• Support planning, preparation, and reporting for major events and seasonal peaks.
• Prepare and update price change sheets for vendor cost updates and promotional price changes.
• Complete and submit forms for item maintenance and price management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for internal customer queries.
• Compile insights through regular reports, including Negative Margin reports and Vendor Performance monthly reports.
• Assist Category Managers and Planners with the management and updates of the Master Assortment documents.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Mental health support
• Paid sick/holiday/vacation time
• Employee discount program
• Tuition reimbursement options
• Gig leave for employees who are musicians

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree