Merchandise Planner

The Merchandise Planner serves as the business lead for their assigned categories or departments. This role is responsible for translating the buyer’s vision into viable profitable results through developing and maintaining sales, inventory and margin plans that tie to financial targets. Plan all components (retail, cost, units, margin, etc.) for specific categories/departments pertaining to class or item level in order to maximize sales and profitability. This is an in-office position based in West Covina, CA. 

• Own financial planning strategy for assigned categories, including pre-season and in-season plans that align with company objectives and merchant vision.
• Develop and present advanced merchandise plans leveraging historical data, trend analysis, and predictive modeling to deliver accurate forecasts.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Buying, Allocations, Marketing and MINISO HQ to ensure alignment on assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Drive in-season business decisions by analyzing sales trends, recommending pricing actions, and managing chase inventory strategies to maximize profitability.
• Optimize inventory flow and capacity through strategic core item buys and creative problem-solving to minimize risk and improve turn.
• Identify margin improvement opportunities via pricing strategies and liquidation plans.
• Champion process improvements by leading initiatives tied to new planning tools.
• Communicate confidently and influence decisions during OTB and Line Plan presentations, backed by strong analytical insights.
• Lead special projects such as forecasting for new product launches, template development, and system enhancements.
• Lead inventory management for complex categories in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and alignment with business goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners to drive alignment and results.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; strong aptitude with numbers; retail math skills
• Advanced Excel skills required.
• Able to synthesize large quantities of data to drive business decisions.
• Experience with both Planning and Allocation
• Strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills with ability to influence, present and defend a business argument both one-on- one and in a group setting.
• Optimization mindset - designs and develops models/plans to optimize decisions & processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and manage through competing priorities.
• High energy, staying flexible and positive during fast paced/ ever changing environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or equivalent experience in related discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience working in a planning function