(USA) Senior Manager, Merchandising Planning

Role summary:

The Senior Manager, Merchandising Planning, leads comprehensive category forecasting and financial planning to drive strategic merchandising decisions. This role leverages advanced data analysis and visualization tools to deliver actionable insights, supporting budget development and promotional planning. Collaborating cross-functionally, the position ensures alignment of forecasts with business objectives and customer demand trends. The role also oversees team development, fosters operational excellence, and champions continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance and profitability within a dynamic retail environment.

About the team:

The Merchandise Planning team serves as the strategic finance and planning partner to Merchandising, acting as the CFOs of categories. Utilizing data, insights, and financial analysis, the team supports confident decision-making through financial forecasting, item-level planning, operating plans, line reviews, and store-specific distribution guidance. Combining deep financial expertise with close collaboration across Merchandising and Replenishment, the team challenges assumptions, identifies risks and opportunities, builds actionable models, and translates complex data into clear recommendations. Focused on continuous improvement and automation, the team plays a key role in shaping business strategy and performance.

What you''ll do:

• Leverage data analysis and visualization tools to develop insights that influence merchandising decisions.
• Develop and manage category-level financial targets, forecasts, and budgets aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive category strategy, assortment planning, and promotional initiatives.
• Support vendor negotiations by providing financial analysis and risk assessments.
• Lead forecasting efforts, including sales, inventory, and item-level projections, to optimize product availability.
• Drive continuous improvement in line review to enhance effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance work environment.

What you''ll bring:

• Extensive experience in merchandise planning and category management with strong financial forecasting skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools to develop insights and influence strategic decisions.
• Expertise in member demand planning and understanding member behavior across multiple channels.
• Ability to lead budgeting processes, including category-level financial target setting and markdown management.
• Strong communication and influencing skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proven track record in driving forecasting accuracy and supporting item-level and category-level financial forecasts.
• Leadership experience in mentoring and developing team members while promoting ethical standards and integrity.