Sr. Manager Retail Merchandise Planning – North America

About the role

The Sr. Manager, Retail Merchandise Planning — North America leads the merchandising, sales, and inventory planning strategy for Patagonia’s owned retail stores across North America (US and Canada). This role owns, in collaboration with the Global Product and Retail Operations teams, the development and execution of seasonal and long-range plans that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity, while reinforcing Patagonia’s commitment to product integrity, engaging consumer experience, and responsible growth.

Responsibilities

• Own the North America retail merchandising, seasonal buys, and store segmentation that brings to life Patagonia’s product and community engagement vision.
• Lead seasonal and long-range retail financial strategies (sales, margin, AUR, markdowns, inventory, turn, WOS) that support sustainable, responsible growth across the NA network.
• Set and monitor inventory flow strategies in alignment with cross-channel partners, balancing pre-season buys, replenishment, and new product intros across store clusters.
• Partner with Marketing, Retail Operations, Visual Merch, and Allocation to align seasonal sales and inventory plans with store-level inventory strategies that optimize consumer experience and financial performance.
• Develop and mentor planning talent, build strong analytical capability, business acumen, and strategic thinking across the retail planning team.
• Establish clear operating processes and planning frameworks that drive accountability, transparency, and effective decision-making.
• Champion the use of modern tools and processes to improve forecast accuracy, efficiency, and team's focus on insights and strategy that balances quantitative and qualitative execution.
• Partner closely with Merch Financial partners to align retail plans to regional and global targets and clearly articulate variance drivers, tradeoffs, and recovery paths.
• Lead weekly and monthly NA retail business reviews diagnosing performance vs. plan and recommending corrective actions.
• Partner with Retail Allocation and Outlet Planning team to support markdown and clearance strategies to optimize a clean and healthy marketplace.
• Align with eCommerce and Digital partners to leverage omni-insights while maintaining channel-appropriate strategies for retail.
• Collaborate with channel partners on product feedback and market opportunities.
• Represent NA Retail in GTM milestones and cross-functional forums, influencing decisions through clear, data-backed insights.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of merchandise planning experience in retail, with deep ownership of sales, margin, and inventory performance; apparel or outdoor lifestyle strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise in retail MFP, forecasting, OTB, and in-season inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills set, including advanced Excel and experience with planning/allocation systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Omni-channel planning background with strong understanding of retail vs. eComm dynamics.
• Experience developing and mentoring planners or analysts to create a high-performing team that can operate in the details as well as at a product strategy level.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution in an evolving environment.
• Alignment with Patagonia’s mission and values, including responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Proven success in leading and managing a team of planners or analysts.
• Experience with planning and allocation systems.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel and advanced Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with retail operations and merchandising.

Skills

• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Leadership and mentorship.
• Financial planning and analysis.
• Inventory management and optimization.
• Product strategy and planning.
• Marketing and brand alignment.
• Customer experience and engagement.
• Environmental sustainability and responsible growth.

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.

Pay

Hiring Range: $145,000-$165,000 USD Annual

Schedule

This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.