Merchandise Planning Manager

Akira • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company. The Position: Merchandise Planning Manager Department: Planning and Allocation Reports To: VP of Planning, Inventory & Merchandising Strategy Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite Position Summary: AKIRA is seeking a highly strategic and results-oriented Planning Manager to lead merchandise financial strategy across multiple categories and channels. This role is responsible for driving topline growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while shaping long-term planning processes that support AKIRA's aggressive growth goals. AKIRA operates in a rapid newness cycle with constant product flow and evolving pricing strategies. The Planner must be agile and decisive, able to navigate a fast-moving environment while maintaining financial discipline and strong analytical rigor. The Senior Planning Manager must be agile, decisive, and highly organized, able to manage rapid product flow and in-season trade while maintaining financial discipline and strategic focus. The Planning Manager operates as a thought partner to Merchandising leadership and plays a critical role in influencing assortment architecture, pricing strategy, inventory flow, and channel optimization. This individual leads high-level forecasting, open-to-buy strategy, and in-season trade decisions while developing a best-in-class planning discipline across the organization.

Requirements

• 7–10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).
• Proven success operating in a fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound financial decisions under tight timelines.
• Strong executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

Nice To Haves

• Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
• Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
• Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with AKIRA's growth roadmap.
• Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through.
• Architect inventory flow strategies that support frequent newness launches and dynamic markdown cadence.
• Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing frameworks.
• Improve inventory productivity metrics (WOS, sell-through, turn) through disciplined open-to-buy management and lifecycle planning.
• Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.
• Build and refine forecasting models incorporating trend, velocity, and lifecycle analysis.
• Develop executive-level reporting and dashboards that create transparency and accountability.
• Champion planning systems enhancements and process optimization.
• Serve as a strategic partner to DMM/Directors and Buyers to align financial targets with assortment vision.
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and inventory investment planning.
• Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen.

Benefits

• AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount.
• We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees