Associate Merchandise Planner

About the role

The Associate, Merchandise Planning is a hybrid role bridging Merchandise Planning and Category Management, supporting the achievement of financial and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning and Forecasting: Sales, Margin, and Receipts Planning

• Botto-ms-Up Merchandise Financial Plans

• Maintain and update rolling forecasts at the department level in collaboration with Planners and Category Managers

• Product Flow and Risk Mitigation: Review and analyze inventory flow to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Weekly and monthly performance metrics, Special events and seasonal peak analysis, Vendor performance and inventory updates, Data Reporting and Insights

• Communication and Collaboration: Communication Triage, Partner with Planners, Category Managers, and other stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategies, Special Events and Seasonal Peaks Support

• Price and Promotion Management: Prepare and update price change sheets, Submit updates for approval to Category Managers and make revisions as needed

• Category and Operational Support: Complete and submit forms for Item maintenance, Price and Promotion Management, Print special product order builds, Web Asset audits, Collaborate with Category Managers to resolve issues and identify improvements

• Field Communication and Issue Triage: Serve as the first point of contact for internal customer queries, Review, prioritize, and take appropriate actions to address requests

• Reporting and Insights: Compile and share insights through regular reports, including but not limited to Negative Margin reports, Weekly Business Review support reports, Vendor Performance monthly reports, Vendor Discontinued Inventory, Master Assortment Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related discipline

• 3-5 years direct experience in retail, store operations, merchandising or allocation

• Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy in reporting, planning, and operational execution

• Analytical and Financial Acumen: Ability to interpret and analyze data to drive business decisions

• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Effectively manage multiple priorities, including regular reporting and ad hoc tasks

• Collaboration and Communication: Work effectively across teams, ensuring clear and timely communication

• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle evolving priorities, seasonal needs, and ad hoc projects

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department, rental season and Music & Art’s needs

• Knowledge of MS Office computer programs is strongly desired

Skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Strong analytical and financial acumen

• Effective organizational and time management skills

• Collaborative and adaptable approach

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

• 401K with company match

• Mental health support

• Paid sick/holiday/vacation time

• Employee discount program

• Tuition reimbursement options

Pay

$60,000 - $65,000/yr depending on background and experience.

Schedule

Able to work a flexible schedule based on department, rental season and Music & Art’s needs.