Associate Merchandise Planner

The Associate Merchandise Planner will be a key business partner with Buyer and Sr Buyer to ensure achievement of department goals in terms of sales, gross margin and inventory.Major ActivitiesAnalysis:Provide Sr Buyer/Buyer with analysis and recommendation to optimize sales, margin and inventory in season recommendations to optimize seasonal plansEnsure corporate inventory initiatives are included in dept strategiesOptimize seasonal inventory flowIn season management and execution of basic assortment exit strategies for resetsPartner with Financial Planner to develop and execute SKU rationalization goals Purchase Planning:Using MFP (Michaels Financial Planning) to create weekly sales, margin and inventory plans at subclass level for seasonal and trend programsOwns MFP administration for seasonal and basic plansIncorporates correction of errorsRecommend "wave breaks" for seasonal flow Recommend optimal inner and master packsWork with pricing and Sr Buyer/Buyer to make appropriate in season MD recommendations for seasonal and trend productEvaluate forward buys on market deals and other opportunities Develop and adhere to critical timelinesAssortment Planning:Ensure assortments are completed within specific time framesParticipate in assortment plan review with category mgt team for seasonal and SBA assortments by analyzing historical information, and make appropriate recommendations.Reset support:Develop and implement MD strategy following reset financial timelineImplement discontinue timingImplement order placement timing for new product with Sr Buyer/Buyer and Replenishment TeamMonitor progress of reset activities and integrate into MFP sales, margin and inventory forecastUpdate finance partner on any activities that would require updating reset financialsOther duties as assignedMinimum Education BS or equivalent Business, retail or related field Minimum Special Certifications or technical skills Microsoft Office literate, especially ExcelMinimum Type of experience the job requires 2+ years in retailNumerical analysis and project management experienceOther Ability to work comfortably on unstructured problems/tasksAbility to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraintsPreferred Special Certifications or technical skills Planning system skills preferredPreferred Type of experience the job requires 2+ years in retail planning or financial planning preferred Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

Created: 2026-05-09