Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner Our client is seeking a Merchandise Planner to support strategic assortment and inventory planning across a high-profile retail business. This role will help drive sales, profitability, and inventory optimization through data-driven decision making and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate combines strong retail planning expertise with analytical storytelling skills and thrives in a fast-paced, highly visible environment managing multiple seasons and product categories simultaneously. This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon. Merchandise Planner Responsibilities Develop and manage merchandise plans that align inventory, sales, and profitability goals across product categories. Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and consumer trends to support forecasting and in-season business decisions. Partner with merchandising, retail, ecommerce, and business teams to align assortment strategies and operational priorities. Support seasonal and in-season planning activities including inventory actions, pricing strategies, and product transitions. Build and maintain financial forecasts at the SKU, category, and channel level to maximize business performance. Utilize historical and current selling data to identify opportunities, risks, and assortment recommendations. Create compelling data-driven presentations and reporting that clearly communicate business insights and recommendations. Collaborate with retail partners to support sales, margin, and inventory objectives across multiple product seasons. Monitor the overall health of the business and proactively identify actions needed to improve results. Contribute to process improvements and help establish consistency in planning tools, reporting, and operational workflows. Manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment. Merchandise Planner Qualifications Bachelor's degree preferred, though equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in merchandise planning, retail planning, allocation, or related business functions. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with large, complex data sets. Experience within retail, merchandising, inventory planning, or assortment planning environments required. Ability to analyze data and translate findings into clear business insights and actionable recommendations. Strong understanding of retail math, inventory management, forecasting, and profitability metrics. Proven ability to manage multiple timelines, priorities, and business initiatives simultaneously. Strong communication and collaboration skills with experience working cross-functionally across multiple teams. Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities. Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and navigate ambiguity in a dynamic business environment. Experience within brick-and-mortar retail environments is strongly preferred. Familiarity with AI tools, advanced analytics, or large-scale data analysis is a plus. Experience supporting footwear, apparel, or consumer product categories is highly valued. Collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team-oriented, high-visibility role.

Compensation:

Up to $42.25/hr. (DOE) VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks! As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you'll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future. Meet VanderHouwen What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we're in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies' staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals. VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career! VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws. #LI-Hybrid