Merchandise Planning Manager

Position Summary

The Position: Merchandise Planning Manager

Location: Chicago, IL - Full-time Onsite

Onsite Position Summary

AKIRA is seeking a strategic, results-driven Planning Manager to lead merchandise financial planning across multiple categories and channels. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while supporting the company’s rapid growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Ownership

• Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
• Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
• Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with AKIRA's growth roadmap.
• Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through.
• Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.

• Inventory & Channel Optimization

• Architect inventory flow strategies that support frequent newness launches and dynamic markdown cadence.
• Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing frameworks.
• Improve inventory productivity metrics (WOS, sell-through, turn) through disciplined open-to-buy management and lifecycle planning.
• Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.

• Advanced Forecasting & Analytics

• Build and refine forecasting models incorporating trend, velocity, and lifecycle analysis.
• Develop executive-level reporting and dashboards that create transparency and accountability.
• Champion planning systems enhancements and process optimization.

• Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership

• Serve as a strategic partner to DMM/Directors and Buyers to align financial targets with assortment vision.
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and inventory investment planning.
• Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).

• Proven success operating in a fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound financial decisions under tight timelines.

• Strong executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership.

• Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.

• Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.

• Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.

• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

Success Metrics

• Achievement and acceleration of sales and gross margin targets.

• Improved inventory turn and reduced markdown exposure despite high volume of launches.

• Increased forecast accuracy and inventory flow precision.

• Successful execution of omnichannel inventory strategies.

• Elevated planning processes and team performance.

Benefits And Perks

• Competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount.

• We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.