This role can be based out of any of the following locations:

• Southern California (Orange County, & Los Angeles County):Remote / Flexible Hybrid (with periodic visits to our National Support Center in San Diego, CA)
• Phoenix, AZ (Statewide) & Texas:Remote
• San Diego, CA:Hybrid / On-site (based out of our National Support Center - NSC)
• San Antonio, TX:Hybrid / On-site (based out of our Satellite Support Center - SSC)

The Merchandise Planner plays a strategic role in driving sales, optimizing inventory, and enhancing customer satisfaction through data-driven planning and forecasting. This role requires a deep understanding of niche markets, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain merchandise financial plans by category, season, and store/channel
• Forecast sales, margin, and inventory targets based on historical data and market trends
• Collaborate with buying teams to build assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demand

Inventory & Allocation

• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies to minimize stockouts and overstocks
• Partner with allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across stores and channels
• Identify slow-moving items and propose markdowns, promotions, or reallocation strategies

Financial Analysis

• Analyze performance metrics including sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI
• Prepare weekly/monthly business reviews and present insights to cross-functional teams
• Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and store operations teams
• Provide planning input for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store openings
• Communicate inventory risks and opportunities to leadership

Skills & Qualifications

• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret data and forecast trends
• Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior
• Communication: Clear and collaborative communication across departments
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning tools (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle)
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to balance short-term needs with long-term business goals

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail
• Experience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plus

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$63,800.00 - $105,600.00

/ year

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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