The Assistant Merchandise Planner is an entry-level professional role responsible for executing structured planning assignments and supporting merchandise planning strategies. This role builds foundational expertise in inventory management, financial analysis, and business reporting while contributing to key initiatives that drive sales, profitability, and operational effectiveness.

Operating under guidance of the Planning Manager; leverages established processes, data insights, and cross-functional partnerships to support assortment decisions, inventory optimization, and in-season business performance.

This role will report directly to the Manager, Merchandise Planning and sit onsite in Kissimmee, FL.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Financial Planning

• Partner with leadership to support the development of revenue benchmarks aligned to growth and profitability objectives

• Analyze performance against plan to inform future assortment, inventory, and replenishment decisions

• Contribute to ongoing reporting, including hindsight analysis and forward-looking projections

Inventory & Assortment Optimization

• Support SKU productivity through item stratification and category analysis

• Assist in managing inventory health across categories to ensure optimal balance of supply and demand

• Contribute insights to improve assortment strategy and lifecycle management

In-Season Management & Execution

• Monitor product performance using weekly business insights to identify risks and opportunities

• Support execution of product launches and merchandise initiatives across channels

• Help mitigate financial gaps by identifying opportunities to maximize in-season sales and reduce liability

Pricing & Promotional Strategy

• Identify pricing and markdown opportunities to optimize sell-through and overall sales performance

• Provide data-driven recommendations to improve promotional effectiveness

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate changes to purchase orders (e.g., delays, cancellations, shifts) with cross-functional partners

• Partner with Merchandising and Location Planning teams to support the LAP (Location Assortment Planning) process

• Contribute to alignment discussions to ensure clarity in assortment, location metrics, and buy strategies

What you will have/Requirements:

• Preferred bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience

• Foundational knowledge of business, finance, or retail planning concepts

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and draw insights

• Proficiency in Excel and/or planning systems (e.g., MFP, LAP, PLM tools preferred)

• Effective communication and collaboration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship or prior experience in retail, merchandising, planning, finance, or related field

• Exposure to inventory management, assortment planning, or financial forecasting concepts

• Experience working with large datasets and translating insights into business recommendations

• Familiarity with merchandise planning or reporting tools (e.g., Flex PLM, Business Insights, Oracle, or similar systems)

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Basic understanding of retail KPIs (e.g., sales, margin, turn, sell-through)

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective cross-functional partnerships

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Applies data and standard practices to inform decisions

• Learning Agility: Builds capability through structured assignments

• Execution Excellence: Delivers accurate, timely work

• Collaboration: Engages effectively with cross-functional teams

• Business Acumen: Develops understanding of retail and planning fundamentals

Work Environment & Scope

• Entry-level professional role with defined responsibilities and guided direction

• Executes routine assignments while building foundational expertise

• Receives instruction, coaching, and feedback from leadership

The hiring range for this position in Kissimmee, FL is $62,200.00-$83,300.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.