Associate Merchandise Planner [AQ-12415]

About the role

Aquent is partnering with a rapidly growing, premier retail leader that prioritizes product planning, forecasting, and allocation to enhance their consumer journey. In this pivotal role, you will join an energetic and innovative inventory management team dedicated to improving speed and accuracy. Your expertise will directly influence product availability and market success by managing brand planning, optimizing inventory, and serving as a core financial partner to buying teams. You’ll transform complex data into actionable retail strategies that reach consumers nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Own accurate monthly and in-season Open to Buy (OTB) projections for sales, gross margin percentage, receipts, and inventory adjustments.
• Reconcile OTB projections with demand planning system forecasts and present updates at cross-functional meetings.
• Develop tailored strategies for new brands, including projected sales, SKU-level inventory needs, and order flow setups for optimal launch windows.
• Analyze and validate sales and inventory needs for key initiatives, marketing activations, and promotions.
• Conduct seasonal “hindsight” analysis on brand newness and campaign performance.
• Maintain consistent communication with vendors regarding performance and inventory health.
• Partner with product selection teams to validate product assortments, recommend items to discontinue or develop, and curate a highly productive catalog.
• Collaborate with inventory leadership, buying teams, and vendors to create comprehensive pre-season brand budget plans.
• Partner with demand planning on strategy, guide planning assistants to prioritize crucial orders, and develop liquidation strategies for overstock or exiting collections.

Requirements

• 4+ years of professional experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail demand planning.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, with intermediate-to-expert skills in MS Excel.
• Proven ability to interpret complex data and synthesize it into intelligent, actionable business decisions.
• Clear and concise communication (written, verbal, and presentation-ready), negotiation skills, and keen attention to detail.
• Flexible team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple shifting priorities seamlessly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or a related field (nice-to-have).

Benefits

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a company match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.