Associate Merchandise Planner

The Opportunity

At Aquent, we're known for connecting top-tier talent with the world's most innovative brands. Today, we are partnering exclusively with a rapidly growing, premier retail leader to help them find a strategic, data-driven Associate Merchandise Planner.

Our client believes that planning, forecasting, and allocating products are the crucial first steps in a product's journey to the consumer. Their energetic and innovative inventory management team continuously improves speed and accuracy to deliver on their brand promise in a fast-growing, ever-evolving marketplace. They know it's one thing to create amazing brand experiences-but the key is in successfully delivering them.

The Role

As an Associate Merchandise Planner, you will manage brand planning for both pre-season and in-season windows, driving SKU in-stock metrics and optimization. Acting as the core financial partner to the Merchant team, you will play a critical role in scaling and growing strategic brand partnerships.

Aquent is looking for an analytical, results-oriented professional who excels at turning complex data into thriving retail strategies.

• Open to Buy (OTB) Ownership (20%): Own accurate monthly, in-season OTB sales, gross margin %, receipt, and inventory adjustment projections. Reconcile OTB projections with Replenishment/Demand Planning system forecasts and present updates at cross-functional meetings.
• Launch Strategy (20%): Develop tailored strategies for new brands, including projected sales, SKU-level inventory needs, and order flow setups for optimal launch windows.
• Commercial Analytics (15%): Analyze and validate sales and inventory needs for key initiatives, marketing animations, and promotions. Conduct seasonal "hindsight" analysis on brand newness and campaign performance.
• Assortment & Vendor Management (20%): Maintain consistent communication with vendors regarding performance and inventory health. Partner with Merchandising to validate product assortments, recommend items to discontinue/develop, and curate a highly productive catalog.
• Pre-Season Planning (10%): Partner with Inventory Directors, Merchants, and Vendors to create comprehensive pre-season brand budget plans.
• Inventory Optimization & Team Support (15%): Partner with Demand Planning on strategy, guide Merchandise Planning Assistants to prioritize crucial orders, and develop liquidation strategies for overstock or exiting collections.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail demand planning.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• Technical Savvy: Advanced proficiency in MS Office, with intermediate-to-expert skills in MS Excel.
• Analytical Capabilities: A proven ability to interpret complex data and synthesize it into intelligent, actionable business decisions.
• Core Soft Skills: Clear and concise communication (written, verbal, and presentation-ready), negotiation skills, and a keen attention to detail.
• Adaptability: A flexible team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple shifting priorities seamlessly.

Working Conditions

• Primarily a traditional office/home environment with sedentary work.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet tight deadlines or resolve urgent performance bottlenecks.

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. More information on our awesome benefits!

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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