Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores

Sr Merchandise Planner

Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or a related analytical role
  • Experience partnering cross-functionally with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams
  • Advanced analytical skills for interpreting sales, inventory, and trend data
  • Strong financial acumen focusing on profitability and inventory performance
  • Expertise in merchandise planning and assortment strategy development
  • Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Lead collaboration with merchandising and analytics teams for planning and forecasting
  • Analyze historical data to develop accurate sales forecasts
  • Develop and manage inventory plans and assortment strategies
  • Monitor performance trends and adjust inventory strategies
  • Provide purchasing guidance and strategic recommendations to buyers
  • Evaluate markdown and promotional strategies to optimize sales
  • Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory and demand trends

Benefits

  • Company-funded tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%
  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance starting after 30 days
  • Career development opportunities
  • Competitive pay
Full Job Description
Req ID: 482909

Benefits: * Fuel Your Growth with Love's - company funded tuition assistance * Paid Time Off * 401(k) - 100% Match up to 5% * Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance the first of the month after 30 days * Competitive Pay * Career Development *

The Senior Merchandise Planner partners with merchandising and analytics teams to lead category planning and forecasting activities in alignment with the organization's financial goals. This role is responsible for developing and owning sales forecasts, inventory plans, and assortment strategies, while providing experienced guidance to buyers and influencing cross-functional decision-making to maximize profitability and inventory performance.

Job Functions:
  • Lead collaboration with merchandising and analytics teams to plan and forecast merchandise categories aligned to financial and inventory objectives
  • Analyze historical sales, inventory, and trend data to develop accurate, actionable sales forecasts
  • Develop and manage seasonal and monthly inventory plans and merchandise assortment strategies to maximize profitability
  • Monitor performance trends and proactively adjust allocation, replenishment, and inventory strategies as business conditions change
  • Provide purchasing guidance, inventory controls, and strategic recommendations to buyers
  • Recommend and evaluate markdown and promotional strategies to drive sales, optimize sell-through, and achieve inventory turn targets
  • Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory levels, category performance, and demand trends; communicate insights to leadership and stakeholders
  • Support continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and reporting

Experience and Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or a related analytical role and partnering cross-functionally with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams

Skills and Physical Demands:
  • Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret sales, inventory, and trend data to drive forecasting and planning decisions
  • Strong financial acumen with focus on profitability, inventory performance, and margin optimization
  • Expertise in merchandise planning, forecasting, and assortment strategy development
  • Ability to identify risks and opportunities and translate data into clear, actionable recommendations
  • Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets, planning systems, and reporting tools (Excel, forecasting platforms, BI tools)
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with experience partnering with merchandising, analytics, and buying teams
  • Effective communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders and provide strategic guidance to leadership
  • Attention to detail and ability to monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed

Our Culture:

Fueling customers' journeys since 1964, innovation leads the way for this family-owned and operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City. With nearly 40,000 team members, travel stops are the core business along with products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, traveling public, RVers, alternative energy and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities and an inclusive workplace are hallmarks of the award-winning culture.

About Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is a family-owned chain of gas stations and convenience stores. The company was founded in 1964 and has since expanded to over 500 locations across 41 states in the United States. Love's offers a variety of services including fuel, food, and merchandise. The company is known for its commitment to customer service and has won numerous awards for its efforts. Love's is also involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting organizations such as Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the United Way.
Learn more about Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores
Size
32,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1964

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores

More Retail & Consumer Goods Jobs

Find similar Sr Merchandise Planner jobs: