Merchandise Planner

Overview

We are seeking a Merchandise Planner II to support end-to-end planning and forecasting for a dynamic retail business within a globally recognized leader in the footwear and apparel industry. This role is responsible for driving financial and inventory plans that optimize profitability, align to consumer demand, and support overall business objectives.

Location & Schedule

On-site with work-from-home Fridays

Duration

Approximately 12-month contract

Experience Level

2-4+ years of experience in merchandise planning, assortment planning, or retail financial planning

Bachelor's degree strongly preferred or equivalent experience

What You'll Do

• Develop seasonal and monthly merchandise plans including sales, margin, and inventory forecasts
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) and support in-season optimization through ongoing analysis and adjustments
• Analyze weekly business performance and identify risks and opportunities to inform decision-making
• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, planning, marketing, and other key teams to align on strategy and execution
• Support inventory planning and management across the product lifecycle
• Prepare and present financial insights and planning recommendations to stakeholders
• Contribute to a rolling forecast process to ensure plans remain aligned with business performance and goals

What You Bring

• Strong expertise in Excel and data analysis
• Solid understanding of retail math, forecasting, and inventory management
• Experience managing OTB and merchandise financial plans
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed environments
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience presenting to senior leadership
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Background in apparel, footwear, or large-scale retail environments
• Experience with financial planning or business analysis

Best fit with role

Candidates who are analytical, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a strong understanding of retail planning fundamentals. You are comfortable working with data, able to translate insights into action, and can effectively partner across teams to drive business performance.

Why Apply

• High-impact role influencing product strategy
• Exposure to senior leadership
• Strong cross-functional visibility
• Opportunity to build advanced planning skills

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $31.80 to $35.33/hr. Compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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