What is a Senior Merchandise Planner Job?
A Senior Merchandise Planner is a professional who works in the retail industry and is responsible for creating and implementing merchandise plans. These plans are critical to ensure that the company's inventory is optimized for maximum profitability and consumer satisfaction. The Senior Merchandise Planner works with the retail team to analyze sales data and customer trends to create the best possible product mix.
What usually do in this position?
In this position, a Senior Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and executing merchandise plans that meet financial and inventory goals. They work closely with cross-functional teams such as buyers, planners, and allocators to ensure that the right products are in the right place at the right time. The Senior Merchandise Planner is also responsible for analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities to maximize profitability.
Top 5 Skills for Position
To be successful in this position, a Senior Merchandise Planner should have the following skills:
- Analytical skills to interpret sales data and make informed decisions
- Strong communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Strategic thinking to develop merchandise plans that align with company goals
- Project management skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in forecasting and inventory management
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a Senior Merchandise Planner, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required. Experience in retail, merchandising, or planning is also necessary. Many companies prefer candidates who have experience working with large retailers or consumer brands. A strong understanding of financial analysis, inventory management, and forecasting is also crucial.
Average Salary
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Senior Merchandise Planner is $103,000 per year. However, this can vary based on location, years of experience, and company size.
Roles and Types
There are several roles and types of merchandise planners, including Junior Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Planner, and Senior Merchandise Planner. Junior Merchandise Planners support the merchandise planning team and assist with data analysis. Merchandise Planners are responsible for developing merchandise plans and forecasting sales. Senior Merchandise Planners oversee the entire process and are responsible for developing and executing the merchandise plan.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
The most popular locations for Senior Merchandise Planner jobs in the United States are New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas. These cities have a high concentration of retail companies and headquarters.
What are the Typical Tools
Senior Merchandise Planners use a variety of tools to perform their job duties. These include Excel for data analysis and forecasting, as well as retail-specific software such as JDA Software and SAP. Communication tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams are also commonly used to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
In Conclusion
Senior Merchandise Planning is a critical job within the retail industry, responsible for ensuring that companies have the right products in the right place at the right time. To be successful in this role, a strong understanding of financial analysis, inventory management, and forecasting is necessary. A senior merchandise planner must also have excellent communication and project management skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. The average salary for this position is $103,000 per year, and popular locations include New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.