Merchandise Planner

Pentland Brands•Long Beach, CA

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for translating commercial and merchandising strategies into data-driven financial and inventory plans that optimize sales, margin, and inventory performance. This role develops and manages seasonal and in-season forecasts, analyzes product and category performance, and identifies risks and opportunities to support informed business decisions. Partnering closely with Merchandising, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams, the Merchandise Planner helps ensure the right product is available in the right quantities at the right time while balancing consumer demand, inventory efficiency, and financial objectives.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Retail Planning, Wholesale Planning, Sales Analysis, or a related analytical function, preferably within apparel, footwear, sporting goods, or consumer products.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities with the ability to translate complex data into clear business insights and actionable recommendations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with experience analyzing large datasets, developing reporting, and supporting financial and merchandise planning.
Experience working with ERP, planning, reporting, or product lifecycle management systems; SAP and Centric PLM experience preferred.
Strong understanding of merchandise planning fundamentals, including sales forecasting, margin, inventory productivity, assortment planning, and product lifecycle management.
Ability to gather, organize, and interpret large volumes of data and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to develop compelling visual presentations and communicate recommendations effectively.
Collaborative working style with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and provide clear, constructive, and data-informed perspectives.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to simplify complex information, identify what matters most, and move quickly from analysis to action.
Thrives in a fast‑paced, team‑first, high‑energy environment, with a positive, can‑do, customer‑focused attitude.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of data structures, data mapping, and SQL is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct multi-year trend, sales, and product performance analysis to identify assortment opportunities, optimize style productivity, and improve category profitability.
Analyze business performance against financial and merchandising plans, identifying risks, opportunities, and emerging trends and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
Develop and maintain merchandise forecasts and financial plans aligned with company sales, revenue, margin, and inventory objectives.
Partner with Commercial, Sales, and Finance teams to ensure merchandise plans and forecasts align with broader business targets and financial goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sourcing, Commercial, and Demand Planning to support product lifecycle decisions, including new product introductions, carryover strategies, assortment changes, and end-of-life planning.
Evaluate assortment performance across categories, products, styles, and distribution channels to recommend opportunities for growth, rationalization, and improved productivity.
Establish product costing and margin targets to support category profitability objectives and inform product development and sourcing decisions.
Develop and maintain key performance indicators and assortment benchmarks by distribution channel, providing visibility into sales, margin, inventory, and product productivity.
Identify potential inventory, margin, and assortment risks early and partner with cross-functional teams to develop appropriate actions and recommendations.
Provide timely reporting, analysis, and business insights to cross-functional stakeholders to support effective planning and decision-making.
Prepare clear, decision-ready summaries and presentations for leadership, highlighting business performance, key trends, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.