Senior Merchandise Planning Manager - Field

Who We Are At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We're a passionate, purpose-driven team that's as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We've spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member's journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won't just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you'll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can't lose! What You Will Work On Lead the planning strategy for a merchandise category, ensuring inventory health across the full product lifecycle. Work focuses on building financial and assortment plans that support sales, profit, and inventory goals while improving in‑stock reliability and product flow. Each day brings opportunities to analyze performance, optimize KPIs, and improve how planning decisions drive business outcomes. You'll guide planners through Open‑to‑Buy reviews, line‑review cycles, and forecasting discussions that strengthen category performance. Cross‑functional collaboration helps ensure the right product reaches the right customer at the right time. A focus on data, operational consistency, and cross‑team communication supports long‑term success. Who You Will Work With Partner closely with Division Merchandise Managers, Allocation, Merchandising, Logistics, Store Operations, and Finance to align financial plans and inventory strategies. These relationships help ensure decisions reflect both customer needs and business priorities. The role also includes leading a team of Merchandise Planners—coaching, supporting, and developing them as they manage category analysis, inventory health, and KPI reporting. Collaboration across the organization ensures planning practices remain consistent, accurate, and forward‑looking. What You Bring Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors. Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field required 5+ years of experience in merchandise planning within multi‑store or multi‑channel retail required 2+ years of people‑leadership experience Strong analytical, quantitative, and technical skills Proficiency in SAS merchandise planning systems Strong communication and networking abilities across departments Ability to prioritize work in a fast‑paced and frequently changing environment Ability to solve complex planning and inventory challenges A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed Work Style and Physical Requirements Ability to lead Open‑to‑Buy processes and financial planning cycles Ability to manage inventory productivity metrics such as turns, instock, aging, and network balance Ability to communicate performance insights and planning decisions across teams Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays Regular in-office attendance is required Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards Key Skills Analysis, Planning and Organizing, Inventory Management and Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Strategy and Execution Equal Employment Opportunity Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. Academy® Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation's largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers. It's no surprise that we not only know how to create experiences for our customers, but for our team members as well. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them the most has been at the core of the Academy® culture for over 80 years. With more than 22,000 team members, we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.