Dollar Tree

Merchandise Planner Manager

Dollar Tree$105K — $118K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Accounting, Economics or related field; master's degree preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail merchandising.
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret and communicate financial results.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Merchandise Planners.
  • Develop financial strategies and manage inventory investments.
  • Analyze financial performance and recommend actionable strategies.
  • Oversee markdown planning and optimize inventory productivity.
  • Partner with other departments to execute financial plans.

Benefits

  • Leadership development opportunities.
  • Collaborative work culture.
  • Continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Integration with various departments for broader business impact.
Full Job Description
General Summary

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for developing and executing merchandise financial plans that support the Company's sales, margin, and inventory objectives. This role partners closely with Merchandising leadership to provide financial analysis, strategic recommendations, and inventory planning that drive profitable growth. The Merchandise Planning Manager leads a team of Merchandise Planners, providing coaching, development, and oversight while ensuring consistent execution of merchandise planning processes and alignment with company objectives.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning Managers provide leadership, training, and direction to Merchandise Planners while serving as subject matter experts for merchandise planning processes. In partnership with Merchandising leadership, they develop financial strategies, manage inventory investments, identify business opportunities, and ensure execution of planning activities that support company goals.

Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Merchandise Planners.
  • Inspire the team to achieve company and category objectives.
  • Model Company values and leadership behaviors.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven culture.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve processes and planning effectiveness.
  • Manage team performance, training, succession planning, and talent development.
  • Support recruiting, hiring, and retention efforts.


Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Lead the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process to ensure inventory investments align with financial plans.
  • Develop and manage pre-season and in-season sales, margin, inventory, and purchase plans.
  • Analyze financial performance to identify risks, opportunities, and recommend appropriate actions.
  • Review historical trends and financial targets to support assortment planning decisions.
  • Oversee markdown planning and recommend strategies to optimize inventory productivity and profitability.
  • Monitor sales, margin, inventory, and forecasting performance, adjusting plans as business conditions change.
  • Partner with Buyers, Allocators, Replenishment Buyers, and senior leadership to execute financial plans.
  • Lead weekly business reviews and communicate financial performance, key risks, and action plans.
  • Ensure planning activities are completed accurately and within established timelines.


Business Partnership & Strategy
  • Partner with Merchandising leadership to develop category strategies that support sales and profitability goals.
  • Provide financial insights and recommendations to influence key merchandising decisions.
  • Champion best practices and continuous improvement across merchandise planning processes.


Position Requirements
  • Experience using merchandise planning and retail ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Retail, Blue Yonder, or similar).
  • Demonstrated ability to develop financial plans, sales forecasts, inventory strategies, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans.
  • Strong knowledge of retail financial metrics, including sales, margin, inventory turnover, GMROI, and markdown optimization.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across Merchandising, Buying, Supply Chain, and Finance.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional partners and support executive decision-making.


Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
  • Three (3) or more years of progressive experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, retail merchandising, or a related analytical role.
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial results.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.


Projected Salary Range

$105,000-$118,500

Full time

510 Volvo Parkway,Chesapeake,Virginia 23320

FP&A

Family Dollar

About Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is a chain of discount stores that carries a variety of merchandise including housewares, glassware, dinnerware, cleaning supplies, candy, snacks, food, health and beauty, toys, gifts, gift bags and wrap, party supplies, stationery, craft supplies, teaching supplies, books, seasonal décor, and more for $1 or less.

Dollar Tree Careers

Joining Dollar Tree's vibrant team offers more than just a job; it opens the door to a wealth of job opportunities and a promising career path in the retail industry. As a crucial player in cost-effective retailing, Dollar Tree provides a dynamic platform for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Dollar Tree, every position is a chance to experience growth through innovation and leadership. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that redefine the norm and foster significant advancements in the retail sector. With a culture rooted in collaboration and diversity, we offer a workplace where ideas flourish and inclusivity is the norm.

Explore Professional Development

Dollar Tree is committed to the professional growth of its employees through robust training programs and leadership development opportunities. Our focus on internal promotion and career advancement ensures that every team member has the tools they need to succeed and climb the career ladder within the company.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Dollar Tree is a leader in developing cost-effective solutions that don’t just follow market trends but set them. Here, your skills in networking, creativity, and strategic thinking will be honed to perfection.

Be Part of a Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Dollar Tree; they are integral to our company culture. We believe in empowering our employees by respecting and valuing what makes them unique. This commitment is reflected in our diversity training programs, which are designed to foster an inclusive environment that promotes career longevity and satisfaction.

Internship Opportunities

For those new to the workforce, Dollar Tree’s internship programs offer a gateway to full-time employment and a firsthand look at the retail industry's fast-paced nature. Interns at Dollar Tree gain invaluable experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that impact our business on a global scale.

Benefits That Support Your Life and Growth

Choosing a career at Dollar Tree means access to competitive benefits designed to support you both professionally and personally. From health and wellness plans to educational assistance, we ensure our team members receive the support they need to achieve their best at work and beyond.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the available positions at Dollar Tree where your skills and passion can lead to exceptional opportunities. Whether you’re applying for your first job or seeking a leadership role, your journey towards a fulfilling career starts here.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Dollar Tree by following our careers blog. Gain insights from our team, learn about our innovative practices, and stay informed about upcoming job opportunities and company news.

Apply Now

Ready to make a difference? Submit your resume, complete your profile, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique abilities and learn more about the exciting career paths at Dollar Tree.

SEARCH DOLLAR TREE JOBS

Join us at Dollar Tree, where opportunities to thrive are endless, and every employee plays a critical role in our success. Let’s grow together in a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and professional growth.
Learn more about Dollar Tree
Size
61,886 employees
Market Cap
$31 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$25.5 billion
NASDAQ

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