Director of Merchandise Planning

Overview

We are looking for a strategic and visionary Director of Merchandise Planning who will establish and lead an exceptional planning team across women's apparel, men's apparel, and non-apparel sectors. This newly formed position is critical for creating scalable, data-informed planning processes that will support our expanding multi-category business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and operationalize a comprehensive merchandise planning function including tools, workflows, and reporting standards.
• Create and implement standardized planning schedules covering seasonal and long-term horizons.
• Incorporate best practices in global analytics, forecasting, and merchandise financial planning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate planning support within merchandising and financial teams.
• Lead the creation of top-down and bottom-up financial plans for women’s apparel, men’s apparel, and non-apparel categories.
• Drive category-specific strategies in partnership with merchandising, including assortment planning, inventory management, and open-to-buy controls.
• Analyze historical sales data and market trends to guide future product and investment strategies.
• Develop forecasting models to enhance accuracy segmented by channel, department, and category.
• Work closely with merchandising and design teams to develop line plans aligned with financial objectives and brand vision.
• Assess financial impacts of assortment decisions including pricing structures, cost considerations, and product lifecycle management.
• Balance data-driven insights with creativity to maintain brand integrity in line planning.
• Enhance assortment optimization and monitor KPI adoption rates and development metrics.
• Collaborate with sourcing and production teams to translate merchandise plans into vendor forecasts aligned with supply chain and production schedules.
• Lead and nurture a high-performing team fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
• Manage change and adoption of new planning processes, tools, and systems while handling daily planning operations.
• Provide mentorship, clear guidance, and professional growth opportunities to build both analytical and operational capabilities within the team.
• Serve as a vital liaison between planning, merchandising, and commercial departments.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in merchandise planning, including 5-7 years specifically in merchandise planning roles.
• Strong financial acumen, technical capability, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Resourceful in developing new systems and processes that adapt to evolving business demands.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the capacity to influence and present business cases effectively in one-on-one and group settings.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with competing priorities.
• Proficient in advanced Excel usage.

Company Values

• Be a Good Human: Embrace originality, authenticity, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Have No Fear: Encourage innovation and problem-solving.
• Own Every Decision: Promote teamwork and results-driven work.
• Quality Matters: Emphasize excellence in products and people.
• Make Shit Happen: Foster discipline and competitiveness.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Clothing Allowance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave
• Access to wellness benefits including Calm membership
• Medical, dental, vision, and other ancillary benefits
• 401(k) plan

Compensation and Location

The targeted salary range for this position is $145,000 to $165,000 annually, dependent on experience and expectations. The role is located at our Meatpacking District office in New York City and requires working onsite four days per week.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, parental status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are provided to empower individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Requirements

The position requires regular sitting, manual dexterity, talking, and hearing. Occasionally, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, tasting, or smelling may be necessary. The role includes occasionally lifting or moving items weighing up to 30 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision. These demands represent the essential functions needed to carry out the job.