Merchandise Planning Assistant

Location: Niseko Japan

Contract term: Fixed-term 1 years / Full-time

Start Date: September 1 2025

Work hours: 35-40 hours per week

About Us

Rhythm is about creating epic experiences for our customers which starts with our people. We live by our values and put people first. We take pride in creating working and living environments that foster innovation adventure and balance. Working at Rhythm is more than a job its an experience you will have forever.

The Role

As the Merchandise Planning Assistant your primary focus is to support merchandise planning through demand forecasting sales analysis and administrative coordination. You will work closely with the Merchandise Planner and Senior Buying team to ensure data-driven decisions are applied to the seasonal assortment ultimately enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the buying process.

Additionally you will provide critical administrative support across all product categoriesensuring data accuracy assisting with order entry and maintenance and coordinating communication between internal stakeholders.

By contributing analytical support and operational coordination the Merchandise Planning Assistant plays an integral role in driving a strategic responsive and customer-focused merchandise program.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Forecasting & Planning Support:
  Assist the Merchandise Planner in analyzing historical data and current trends to support sales demand forecasting and pre-season planning.
• Sales & Product Performance Analysis:
  Monitor in-season sales and inventory performance to identify gaps missed opportunities or high-performing categories. Share findings to inform re-forecasting and in-season adjustments.
• Assortment Planning:
  Support the buying team by applying performance data and trend analysis to inform retail assortment decisions by category and season.
• Inventory Monitoring:
  Track stock levels sell-through rates and availability. Coordinate with the warehouse team to support timely replenishment and lifecycle transitions.
• Trend & Market Analysis:
  Stay up to date with market trends and consumer behavior to identify new opportunities or shifts in demand that may impact purchasing decisions.
• Administrative Support:
  Provide general support across all product categories including data entry order tracking product setup internal documentation and other department admin related requests.
• Reporting & Insights:
  Generate and maintain reports on key sales and inventory metrics. Summarize and present actionable insights to support business decisions.

What youll need to succeed

• Previous experience in merchandise planning buying support or a related analytical or retail operations role
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with Excel and Google Sheets (pivot tables lookups complex formulas)
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in data entry and record management
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Experience with inventory management systems or retail ERP software is an advantage
• Understanding of retail trends and product lifecycle planning is a plus
• Passion for the outdoor ski or retail industry is preferred

The Perks and Benefits

As a Rhythm employee youll experience the same legendary hospitality we extend to our guests. Were passionate about looking after our crew and here are just a few of the perks youll enjoy when you join our team:

• Live Work and Play in Paradise: Immerse yourself in one of the worlds top mountain resorts.
• Work with a Legendary Crew: Join a team thats passionate fun-loving and deeply connected to the industry.
• Subsidized Staff Accommodation: Affordable housing options and housing assistance to help you settle in.
• Epic Social Scene: From team ride days and department dinners to staff parties events and day trips our social calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and unwind.
• Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Access the Rhythm Wellness program enjoy free snowsports or bike demos and take advantage of generous store discounts for you your friends and your family.
  
  

At Rhythm we work hard but we play even harder. If you know anyone whos worked with us before theyll tell you this isnt just a job- its an experience of a lifetime. Our fun supportive culture is the heart of everything we do because people like you make Rhythm what it is.

Ready to join

If you have the skills the flair and the stoke (enthusiasm) to share we want to hear from you! Your passion for adventure and alignment with our core values could be the perfect fit for an unforgettable experience.

If you have any specific questions or require further clarification please dont hesitate to reach out.