Analyst, Franchise Merchandise Planning - Athleta

About the role

In this role, you will be part of the Franchise Merchandise Planning team, bringing the financial strategy behind our Athleta product vision to life for Franchisees around the world. As Merchandise Planning Analyst you will drive the success of multiple divisions and product categories by executing wholesale and margin budgets, leveraging product performance analysis across key accounts. You are passionate about using your qualitative and quantitative skillset in a corporate fashion retail environment and find joy in identifying global market nuances. You are curious, innovative, and focused on executing an amazing customer experience while delivering/exceeding financial targets. Strong analytical and storytelling skills will serve you well, and a collaborative mindset is a must.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Athleta Merchandising Planning lead, acting as the primary expert and strategic partner for all product-related initiatives. This role includes ownership of investment review meetings, oversight of division and category-level OTB (Open-to-Buy) planning, and effective management of competing priorities within the brand. You will represent Merch Planning in cross-functional forums, driving alignment and informed decision-making across teams.
• Own cross-regional Merchandising Planning initiatives, serve as the owner of critical workflows that spans all regions including but not limited to running sales reports, executing wholesale pricing strategies, and preparing investment review materials for cross functional team use.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams (Merchandising, Production, Distribution, Company Planning, etc.) and external Franchisees, ensuring alignment and communication throughout the planning and buying process.
• Influence partner investments – Collaborate with partners to understand their business, build strong relationships, and drive results by leveraging data-driven analysis and in-person financial insights to influence franchisees.
• Develop processes and tools to evolve with fast paced changing retail environment to meet internal team and Franchisee needs.

Requirements

• Must be comfortable in Excel (e.g. data manipulation and advanced formula knowledge), and be systems savvy
• Possess strong business acumen and strategic agility, able to handle multiple projects simultaneously while effectively prioritizing workload
• Comfortable with presenting to multiple audiences (internal and external cross functional meetings, product level financials, and in-season performance to identify future risks and opportunities)
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, able to assess complex situations, analyze data, and drive solutions with speed and creativity. Thrives in a self-directed role, using initiative and resourcefulness to achieve goals and resolve issues independently.
• Demonstrate strong listening, written and oral communication skills

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-3 years of merchandise planning/buying experience
• Experience in wholesale and consultant like roles is a plus
• Spanish Language skills are a plus

Skills

• Excel proficiency (data manipulation and advanced formula knowledge)
• Strong business acumen and strategic agility
• Effective presentation skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Collaborative and relationship-building abilities

Benefits

Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.

One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.

Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.

Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.

Employee stock purchase plan.

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.

See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees