Manager, Merchandise Planning

Skechers•Manhattan Beach, CA

About The Position

The Merchandise Planning Manager is accountable for the OTB process, entering orders on time, and the flow of inventory. You will be responsible for leading and managing the merchandise planning team, overseeing in-season forecasts and future merchandise plans to ensure they are aligned with company objectives. Guide the team in creating sales forecasts and inventory plans that optimize sales, margin, and turn. Must work effectively with cross-functional partners to execute buy and allocations strategies.

Requirements

Strong aptitude for numbers and clear understanding of retail math.
Experience in SKU level and category level planning, financial planning process and report/modeling building using excel and or planning software.
Demonstrates the ability to quickly and proficiently understand and absorb new information
Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile and analyze large sets of data using excel and BI tools.
Strong organizational skills – ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Schedule and lead meetings in a timely manner.
Proven track record of analyzing and delivering financial results.
Highly motivated, have a professional demeanor, and be capable of working with and/or leading cross-functional teams in an effective and collaborative matter.
Proficiency in using financial metrics and reports to measure the performance of the business.
Understand how decisions impact financial results.
Experience leading a team and having 4+ persons report into them.
Ability to communicate persuasively, influentially, and responsibly across a cross-functional team.
Excels in team environments and in building/developing strong interpersonal relationships, while maintaining an individual determination to accomplish goals.
Passion for customer service and the retail industry.
Driven to excel and succeed, taking full ownership of his or her success.
Minimum of 6-8 years of merchandise planning, inventory management, buying or finance in a retail environment- preferably Footwear
Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience
Proficient in Excel (includes v-look ups and pivot tables)

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel 0-10% of time.

Responsibilities

Lead the pre-season planning cycle, including the development and review of sales, stock, AUR, and margin plans; generate and review store clusters and SKU-level targets to support buying, allocation, and assortment strategies.
Maintain and communicate the planning calendar, ensuring all key milestones, deadlines, and deliverables are met across cross-functional teams.
Oversee OTBs at brand level and ensure merchandise targets are met on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis; communicate OTB plans to the merchandising team and assess inventory risks.
Schedule and lead weekly/monthly in-season forecast and OTB meetings; ensure receipt plans are filled according to the write schedule.
Review sales monthly and re-forecast quarterly; communicate results and critical issues to the Director of Planning and Buying; develop action plans to increase or decrease inventory as needed to reconcile the OTB.
Drive sales by analyzing trends, forecasting demand, and reviewing inventory position; identify risks and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations on a weekly basis.
Support and review SKU-level reorder ladders for core and carry-forward SKUs, ensuring replenishment strategies align with demand signals and inventory targets.
Partner with planners and merchandisers to actively manage the lifecycle and flow of inventory, including exit strategies, transition strategies, cancellations, markdown needs, and in-store inventory plans; drive the buying calendar forward to ensure budgets are met and orders maintain ideal flow.
Initiate analysis of business trends—including category performance, regional selling, and size selling—and translate findings into informative recommendations that influence organizational decisions.
Prepare and present performance recaps to management at monthly, quarterly, and seasonal intervals, highlighting key business drivers, risks, and opportunities.
Partner with the Director of Planning in the review of financial analysis and team deliverables, providing direction and feedback as necessary.
Develop and train new talent; mentor existing planners and guide review planners through monthly reforecasts to grow and strengthen the team.
Lead cross-functional merchandise meetings, providing input on product performance, assortment strategies, and inventory positioning.