We're seeking a strategic, analytical, and hands-on Director of Merchandise Planning to lead planning and inventory strategy across a growing portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands.This individual will own the end-to-end merchandise planning function, including Open-to-Buy (OTB), demand forecasting, receipt planning, inventory optimization, and merchandise financial planning. This is a highly visible role that partners closely with Ecommerce, Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing to ensure the right products are available at the right time while maximizing sales, margin, and inventory performance.
This opportunity is ideal for a planning leader who enjoys building scalable processes, thrives in a fast-paced ecommerce environment, and can translate data into actionable business decisions.
ResponsibilitiesMerchandise & Financial Planning- Own the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process across multiple brands, categories, and seasons.
- Develop demand forecasts using historical sales, trends, and business insights.
- Build and manage merchandise financial plans, receipt plans, and inventory budgets.
- Develop size curves, inventory models, and forecasting tools to support business growth.
- Produce weekly, monthly, and seasonal reporting on sales, inventory, margin, and forecast performance.
- Create scenario analyses and planning recommendations to support executive decision-making.
Inventory Strategy- Manage inventory levels to maximize sales while minimizing excess inventory.
- Monitor inventory health and adjust plans based on business performance and market trends.
- Develop ecommerce inventory allocation strategies across product launches, promotions, and seasonal demand.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure inventory supports merchandising and marketing initiatives.
Cross-Functional Leadership- Serve as the planning partner for Ecommerce, Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing.
- Build scalable planning processes, reporting, and best practices.
- Present planning insights, inventory strategies, and business recommendations to senior leadership.
- Drive continuous process improvements through data analysis and operational efficiencies.
Qualifications- 10+ years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, or demand planning.
- 4+ years in a leadership role managing planning strategy and business performance.
- Deep expertise in Open-to-Buy (OTB), demand forecasting, receipt planning, inventory optimization, and merchandise financial planning.
- Experience supporting ecommerce or digitally native retail businesses.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling, scenario planning, Pivot Tables, and XLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect planning decisions to financial performance.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
Preferred- Experience within footwear, apparel, fashion, accessories, or consumer products.
- Experience with merchandise planning platforms such as Anaplan, Oracle Retail, or similar systems.
- Familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker.
- Experience working with Shopify or similar ecommerce platforms is a plus.
Compensation: $100,000-125,000Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.
