Manager, Merchandise and Retail Planning

NEW ERA CAP LLC•New York, NY

7h•$90,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Merchandise and Retail Planning is responsible for developing and executing assortment, buying, and inventory strategies for the NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY retail locations. This role partners closely with Buying, Planning, Ecommerce, Retail Operations, Product Teams, and Store Leadership to ensure assortments align with financial goals, customer demand, and key business initiatives. The position plays a critical role in driving sales, optimizing inventory, supporting product launches, and creating a seamless omnichannel customer experience. The E-Commerce Merchandising, Buying & Planning team at New Era Cap owns the company’s digital business by planning product assortments, inventory levels, and digital sales strategies across online channels, in addition to the Buffalo Store + NYC Flagship. They analyze prior program performance data, forecast go forward demand, track inbound deliveries, prep all items for timely launches, and partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure product availability and optimize the customer experience to drive e‑commerce growth.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of consumer goods in a retail environment; licensed sports marketplace is a plus
Initiative to solve problems with impediments to processes
Capable of collaboration with cross functional teams and process creation
Clear communication skills
Exhibits meticulous attention to detail & strong organizational skills
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously & re-prioritize quickly
Pro-actively manages change with urgency and persistence
Ability/interest in utilizing sports industry updates to impact go forward buys
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field required. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of degree
Five (5) to Seven (7) years of experience within buying and/or Planning required

Nice To Haves

Experience within soft goods, or the retail environment preferred

Responsibilities

Determine NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY Store assortments through line plan process
Execute On Field & Lifestyle buy plan templates in partnership with the Buying & Planning Ecom Director, Store Managers, and Retail Operations Senior Manager for all programs prior to close dates
Utilize business acumen to ensure buys meet financial plans at a total, taking into account silhouette, team, color, and size matrixes
Work with product teams to secure retail exclusive silhouettes, styles & colorways through quarterly line plan process
Proactively work with cross functional teams to clarify program details as needed
Maintain yearly calendar of relevant in-store events & program launch dates to create a cohesive launch strategy alongside Ecommerce for both the NYC Flagship and Buffalo, NY Store
Monitor program restricted sell dates and communicate changes in a timely manner to the store teams
Identify mark down plan for future seasons using ageing product reports and own exit strategy for returning obsolete items to the distribution center
Compile marketplace analysis as needed for competitive insights to ensure buys are appropriate and consider shifts in the marketplace/consumer tastes
Work closely with the Planning Assistant Manager & Retail Planning Associate to pre-position inventory for scheduled launches, upcoming promotions and in-store events
Own weekly Retail Stock requests to larger Planning team to ensure adequate service levels on top selling items
Keep all sensitive matters confidential
Other duties as assigned