Category(Merchandise) Planning Analyst - Aulani Resort

Disney • Kissimmee, FL

97d

About The Position

The Domestic Parks Retail Planning organization is responsible for developing strategic financial plans that drive growth, profitability, and an exceptional Guest experience. As the backbone of the Domestic Parks Retail Channel, the team partners closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Pricing to deliver a compelling assortment of products that reflect the stories and experiences of Domestic Parks and Disney Signature Experiences. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, the team ensures that product offerings are both financially sound and deeply aligned with the magic of the Disney brand. As a Merchandise Planning Analyst, you will play a critical role in driving business performance through data-driven insights and strategic planning. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Merchandise Planning, you will support both pre-season and in-season forecasting and analysis, with a focus on achieving sales, margin, and inventory goals. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to identify inventory opportunities, resolve stock discrepancies, and recommend actions that maximize revenue and profitability. This role requires a highly analytical mindset, strong attention to detail, and a passion for turning numbers into actionable strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in merchandise planning, financial analysis, or a comparable analytical role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with enterprise planning systems (e.g., JDA, Oracle, SAP) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Leverage data and analytics to develop a deep understanding of assigned categories, establishing high-level revenue benchmarks aligned with business growth and profitability goals.
• Conduct item stratification to optimize SKU productivity and ensure effective inventory management across the assortment.
• Deliver monthly forecasts for sales, inventory, and margin, supported by performance analysis and clear explanations of variances during open-to-buy meetings.
• Manage large data sets to identify financial risks and opportunities, providing actionable insights to support strategic objectives.
• Monitor weekly business performance at the item level to capitalize on in-season opportunities, mitigate liability, and inform future planning.
• Oversee product launches and merchandise initiatives across all channels, ensuring alignment with financial targets and minimizing year-over-year gaps.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to assess the impact of out-of-stocks and develop solutions to recover revenue and improve availability.
• Communicate purchase order changes—including delays, cancellations, or shifts—to ensure alignment across planning, sourcing, and merchandising teams.
• Identify pricing and liquidation opportunities to drive sales and margin improvements, making strategic recommendations based on performance trends.
• Collaborate with Merchandisers to optimize buys by evaluating comp items, product lifecycle stages, and potential cannibalization.
• Utilize available planning tools and systems to support data-driven decision-making and enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, establishing clear timelines and work plans to meet business objectives.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Benefits

• Health and savings benefits
• Educational opportunities
• Special extras that only Disney can provide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree