Merchandise Planner Job Description Overview
As a Merchandise Planner in the Retail/Planning sector, you play a crucial role in shaping the success of the company through strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Your responsibilities directly impact team collaboration and the achievement of company goals by ensuring optimal inventory levels, maximizing sales, and enhancing the overall customer experience. In a dynamic industry marked by constant innovations and evolving trends, your role involves forecasting demand, analyzing market trends, and collaborating with key stakeholders across various departments to drive profitability and growth. Success in this role is measured by key performance indicators such as inventory turnover, sales performance, and margin optimization.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Planning and Execution: You will be responsible for meticulously planning, scheduling, and executing merchandise strategies to meet sales targets and optimize inventory levels.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Your role involves analyzing data, identifying challenges in inventory management, and making informed decisions to drive profitability and mitigate risks.
- Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Working closely with departments such as marketing, sales, and supply chain, you will align merchandise plans with overall business objectives and ensure seamless execution.
- Leadership and Mentorship: As a leader in the planning team, you will provide guidance, mentorship, and support to junior planners to foster their professional growth and maximize team performance.
- Process Improvement and Innovation: Continuously seek opportunities to enhance planning processes, implement innovative strategies, and drive efficiency to stay ahead in a competitive market.
- Technical or Customer-Facing Responsibilities: Engage in technical aspects such as utilizing planning software and systems, as well as collaborating with customer insights teams to understand consumer behavior and preferences.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in retail planning software, advanced Excel skills, knowledge of inventory management systems, familiarity with data analytics tools, and experience with demand forecasting models.
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field. Certification in Supply Chain Management or Retail Planning is a plus.
- Experience Level: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, retail buying, or inventory management within the retail industry. Experience in e-commerce is advantageous.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, problem-solving mindset, adaptability to changing market dynamics, leadership qualities, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of retail trends, market dynamics, inventory control best practices, and knowledge of competitor strategies in the retail sector.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in leading merchandise planning functions in multinational retail organizations.
- Holding advanced certifications such as Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
- Familiarity with AI tools for demand forecasting, automation in inventory management, and knowledge of emerging retail technologies.
- Demonstrated track record of scaling operations, expanding into global markets, and driving process improvements in merchandise planning.
- Participation in industry conferences, speaking engagements, or published articles on retail planning and inventory management.
- Proficiency in additional foreign languages to facilitate global collaboration and communication.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
- Bonuses & Incentives: Performance-based bonuses, profit-sharing opportunities, and stock options.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, along with wellness programs and fitness benefits.
- Retirement Plans: 401k retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions and pension schemes.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, parental leave policies, and personal days for work-life balance.
- Career Growth: Ongoing training programs, skill development courses, mentorship opportunities, and avenues for professional advancement within the organization.
Application Process
Thank you for your interest in the Merchandise Planner position. Our application process is designed to assess your qualifications, skills, and fit for our team:
- Submitting Your Application: Please submit your resume and a tailored cover letter through our online application portal.
- Initial Screening: Our HR team will review your application and reach out to schedule a screening interview to discuss your background and experiences.
- Technical and Skills Assessment: Depending on the role, you may be required to complete a skills assessment, case study, or present a project related to merchandise planning.
- Final Interview: Successful candidates will have a final interview with the hiring manager to evaluate your fit for the role and assess your alignment with our company culture.
- Offer and Onboarding: If selected, you will receive an official offer, and our team will guide you through the onboarding process to welcome you to our organization.
