Merchandise Planning Manager

JR286 is seeking a highly analytical Merchandise Planning Manager to own forecasting OTB planning and inventory strategy for our JR286 Logistics Division. This role plays a key part in driving profitability optimizing inventory and supporting growth through strategic planning and execution. The Merchandise Planning Manager will translate sales and product strategy into buy recommendations WIP needs and inventory targets across channels partnering cross-functionally to ensure plans are executable and aligned to business goals.

What Youll Do:

Merchandise Planning & OTB Ownership

• Own and manage open-to-buy (OTB) plans by season and division.
• Translate sales targets and product strategies into buy recommendations.
• Analyze inventory performance and recommend actions to optimize turns weeks of supply and sell-through.
• Own ongoing sell-in and sell-through performance reporting including bookings ATS and retail performance metrics.
• Analyze performance against OTB forecasts and inventory targets and surface risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present weekly business readouts and insights seasonal recaps hindsight analyses and buy recommendations to leadership.

Demand & Supply Planning Replenishment Forecasting

• Build rolling replenishment forecasts using historical data product trends and marketing inputs.
• Lead cross-functional forecast reviews and scenario planning to pressure-test assumptions and respond to demand shifts.
• Provide clear insights into sales trends product velocity and inventory risk.
• Track and communicate key metrics like forecast accuracy turns and weeks of supply.

Inventory Strategy & Management

• Set inventory targets and timing and partner with operations production and logistics to execute against approved OTB plans.
• Align buy quantities and delivery timing with forecasted demand and inventory strategy.
• Identify inventory risks related to timing or excess and recommend mitigation actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with product sales and operations to align on seasonal and in-season strategies.
• Collaborate with wholesale partners on order projections and replenishment programs.
• Contribute to planning process improvements as the business scales including tools templates and workflows.
• Other duties as assigned.

What to Bring:

• 68 years of experience in merchandise planning allocation or inventory management within an apparel or accessories brand.
• Demonstrated experience owning OTB and buy planning.
• Background in activewear brands sporting goods and/or outdoor preferred.
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept through consumer delivery.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong Excel skills and experience in ERP/planning tools (e.g. Oracle NetSuite or similar).
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-growing entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong communicator who enjoys collaborating across creative and operational teams.
• Passion for sports outdoors active culture and brands with purpose.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (we leverage market data) benefits (medical dental vision 401k match life insurance pet insurance)
• Company gym with access to personal trainer
• On-site Kitchen
• Paid Parental Leave
• Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Responsible Time Off (aka Unlimited Vacation)
• 13 company holidays
• Professional development workshops
• Employee product discounts on selected brands

Required Experience:

Manager