Sr Merchandise Planner

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores•Oklahoma City, OK

10d

About The Position

The Senior Merchandise Planner partners with merchandising and analytics teams to lead category planning and forecasting activities in alignment with the organization’s financial goals. This role is responsible for developing and owning sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategies, while providing experienced guidance to buyers and influencing cross‑functional decision‑making to maximize profitability and inventory performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent experience
6+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or a related analytical role and partnering cross‑functionally with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams
Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret sales, inventory, and trend data to drive forecasting and planning decisions
Strong financial acumen with focus on profitability, inventory performance, and margin optimization
Expertise in merchandise planning, forecasting, and assortment strategy development
Ability to identify risks and opportunities and translate data into clear, actionable recommendations
Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets, planning systems, and reporting tools (Excel, forecasting platforms, BI tools)
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with experience partnering with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams
Effective communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders and provide strategic guidance to leadership
Attention to detail and ability to monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed

Responsibilities

Lead collaboration with merchandising and analytics teams to plan and forecast merchandise categories aligned to financial and inventory objectives
Analyze historical sales, inventory, and trend data to develop accurate, actionable sales forecasts
Develop and manage seasonal and monthly inventory plans and merchandise assortment strategies to maximize profitability
Monitor performance trends and proactively adjust allocation, replenishment, and inventory strategies as business conditions change
Provide purchasing guidance, inventory controls, and strategic recommendations to buyers
Recommend and evaluate markdown and promotional strategies to drive sales, optimize sell‑through, and achieve inventory turn targets
Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory levels, category performance, and demand trends; communicate insights to leadership and stakeholders
Support continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and reporting