madewellMundelein, IL
Merchandise Planner
Merchandise Planner
Merchandise Planner
madewellMundelein, IL
14 days ago
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm ProductsOnline MerchantsProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Apply for this role (opens in a new tab)Job DescriptionThe Role + Purpose
As a Planner, you’ll develop and execute the financial strategy for your department, partnering with Merchants and Allocators to optimize sales, margin, and inventory performance. You’ll use your analytical expertise to build financial plans, forecast results, and provide clear insights that influence business decisions. This role requires strong collaboration, the ability to synthesize data into actionable strategies, and the confidence to guide cross-functional partners toward achieving both short- and long-term goals.
Responsibilities: Preseason
Partner with manager to develop pre-season financial strategy that connects to and supports total JCG goals
Build preseason sales, margin, and inventory plans by department and class using historical data and current trend insights
Develop bottoms-up style plan, in partnership with Merchandising, making recommendations on rank, depth of buy, and flow timing
Summarize tops-down vs. bottoms-up plans, incorporating key metrics such as markup, average unit cost, margin rate, available inventory, discount rates, and sell-through
Present preseason plans and financial recommendations during investment and line review meetings
In Season
Provide weekly updates on sales, margin, and inventory performance versus forecast at both a high level and style level
Partner with Merchandising, Allocation, and Assortment Planning to make data-driven decisions that optimize product flow, pricing, and receipt management
Prepare in-season forecasts and lead monthly OTB meetings, recommending forecast adjustments based on trend analysis
Analyze sell-through and inventory-to-sales ratios, proposing pricing and promotional actions to maximize profitability
Partner with Merchandising on opportunities to chase into or adjust future on-order to maximize margin outcome
Qualifications: Required
Bachelor’s degree
4+ years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, or financial analysis
Strong analytical, financial modeling, and Excel skills
Proven ability to translate data into insights and influence cross-functional partners
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation abilities
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
Experience planning across multiple categories or channels
Advanced proficiency with planning tools and retail analytics systems
Demonstrated success managing OTB and seasonal investment strategies
Understanding of retail metrics such as sell-through, turn, and inventory-to-sales ratio
*This role follows our in-office work model, requiring associates to work from our New York office Tuesday through Thursday each week, effective September 8, 2026.
Also on the board Same function, level within a rung
Level
Mid
Location
Mundelein, IL
Occupation
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Industry
Department Stores
Posted
14 days ago