Associate Merchandise Planner

Job Description

Associate Merchandise Planner:

We are searching for an Associate Merchandise Planner to support the development and execution of strategic merchandise plans aimed at driving sales and maximizing profitability. This individual will play a key role in analyzing historical data, current trends, and market insights to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and ensure that the right product is in the right place at the right time. The Associate Merchandise Planner will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement these strategies and contribute to meeting financial goals.

You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely from home on Fridays if you prefer.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the development and maintenance of brand, category, and subcategory-level sales and inventory forecasts to align with Duluth’s financial goals and targets.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and promotional activities to support accurate demand forecasting and to identify future sales opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (buying, design, marketing, sales) to gather input and refine forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals.
• Monitor inventory performance, working closely with the buying and inventory teams to recommend actions that maximize sell-through and minimize markdowns.
• Analyze stock levels and identify opportunities to address overstocks and understocks, ensuring optimal inventory levels across all channels.
• Generate and analyze weekly, monthly, and seasonal sales and inventory reports, providing insights on performance against targets.
• Assist in presenting findings and recommendations to management in key business reporting meetings such as sales reviews and inventory updates.
• Stay informed of current market trends and competitive landscape to inform merchandise planning and identify emerging opportunities.
• Participate in the development of seasonal assortment plans and promotional calendars, aligning with merchandising strategies and market trends.
• Support the identification of risk and opportunities by analyzing data and making actionable recommendations to management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of planning processes and tools, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement new strategies and best practices.
• Participate in assortment reviews, offering insights based on sales data, trends, and forecasts.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related area of study
• Equivalent work experience will be considered
• 0-3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends and provide actionable insights
• Understanding of retail math, financial analysis, and basic supply chain principles
• Experience with Google Sheets or similar data analysis tools
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proactive attitude with the ability to solve problems and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  
  

Compensation: 60-70k