OverviewWe are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Merchandise Planning to build and lead a best-in-class planning function across women's apparel, men's apparel, and non-apparel categories. This is a newly created role designed to establish the foundation for scalable, data-driven planning decisions across a growing, multi-category business.
The Director will play a critical role in developing and implementing end-to-end planning processes, integrating global analysis, and driving disciplined category and financial planning. This leader will influence how product strategies are built - from line plan architecture through procurement forecasting - ensuring alignment with financial targets, margin goals, and overall brand strategy.
Key ResponsibilitiesFunction Creation & Process Leadership- Establish and operationalize the merchandise planning function, including tools, processes, and reporting frameworks.
- Design and implement standardized planning cadences across seasonal and long-range time periods.
- Introduce best practices in global analytics, forecasting, and merchandise financial planning.
- Partner cross-functionally to introduce planning support into merchandising and financial planning function
Category Planning & Forecasting- Lead the development of top-down and bottom-up financial plans across women's apparel, men's apparel, and non-apparel.
- Drive category-level strategies in partnership with merchandising including assortment planning, inventory optimization, and open-to-buy management.
- Analyze historical performance and market trends to inform future product and investment decisions.
- Build forecasting models that improve accuracy by channel, department, and category
Line Plan Architecture & Margin Optimization- Partner with merchandising and design to shape line plans that align with financial targets and brand strategy.
- Evaluate the financial impact of assortment decisions, including pricing architecture, cost structures, and lifecycle planning.
- Ensure line plans are grounded in data insights while maintaining creativity and brand integrity.
- Drive assortment optimization, adoption rates/KPIs, development KPIs
Vendor Forecasting & Procurement Alignment- Collaborate closely with sourcing and production to translate merchandise plans into vendor forecasts.
- Partner with merchandising, supply chain, and production teams on supply forecasting and inbound planning
Team Leadership & Development- Lead and develop a high-impact team
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance team culture.
- Lead the team through the rollout of new planning processes, tools, and systems as the function is built out, ensuring adoption and change management alongside day-to-day planning demands.
- Provide clear direction, coaching, and professional development to build both analytical and operational excellence.
- Serve as a key bridge between planning, merchandising, and commercial teams.
Requirements:- Minimum 10 years in a planning function, 5-7 years in Merchandise Planning
- Strong business acumen, financial analysis, technical and creative problem-solving skills
- Resourceful and creative: develop new systems and procedures to address constant evolving business needs.
- Strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills with ability to influence, present and defend a business argument both one-on- one and in a group setting
- Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
- Ability to manage through competing priorities
- Advanced Excel skills required
Rules we live by | Rules you live by
Be a Good Human | Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
Have No Fear | Innovate and solve problems
Own Every Decision | Work together and get results
Quality Matters | Not only with product, but we see it in our people
Make Shit Happen | Be disciplined, be competitive
Benefits - Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
- The target salary for this role is between $145,000 and $165,000 based on candidates experience and and expectations.
This role is based in our Meatpacking District, NYC office, with a four-day in-office schedule.
