Merchandise Planning Assistant
About The Position
The Assistant, Merchandise Planning helps develop and execute merchandise strategies to achieve financial targets. The role analyzes sales data and trends for forecasting, helps develop seasonal merchandise plans and assortment strategies, and monitors inventory levels and sell-through rates. The position works with cross-functional teams and supports reporting, market research, financial planning, and ad-hoc analysis. It also contributes to an accepting and respectful environment and authentic relationships with colleagues, customers, and communities. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. The role requires 1–2 years of financial or inventory management experience. Essential job functions include communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems, as well as accessing and reviewing written and electronic information and moving within the work environment to interact with workplace materials. The schedule may be flexible based on department and company needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
- 1–2 years of financial or inventory management experience.
- Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and adapt to a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
- Proficiency in demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques.
- Experience optimizing and executing hold and flow strategies for inventory management.
- Ability to manage risk optimization and service levels effectively.
- Strong analytical skills, including trend and pattern recognition, and efficient problem-solving ability.
- Proficiency in planning and executing strategies to achieve objectives.
- Ability to recognize issues and address them directly.
- Ability to perform essential job functions involving communication, collaboration, office and computer systems, accessing and reviewing written and electronic information, and moving within the work environment to interact with workplace materials.
Responsibilities
- Analyze historical sales data, current trends, and market information to forecast future sales and demand.
- Assist in developing seasonal merchandise plans and assortment strategies with buying, marketing, and inventory management teams.
- Monitor inventory levels and sell-through rates, identifying risks and opportunities to optimize stock levels and minimize excess inventory.
- Generate and maintain reports on sales performance, inventory metrics, and KPIs to track progress against targets.
- Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities.
- Assist in creating and maintaining merchandise financial plans, including sales, margin, and inventory targets.
- Foster acceptance and respect, strengthen relationships, and ensure authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
- Support ad-hoc analysis and projects as needed.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
- 401(k) match
- Paid time off
- Eight paid holidays
- Continuous learning and leadership development
- Colleague Resource Groups
- Volunteer opportunities
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
