Merchandise Planner

Position Overview

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to optimize category performance, drive sales, and maximize profitability. This role involves analyzing data, managing Open to Buy, forecasting demand, managing inventory, sales curves and sell through and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve category objectives. 

Position Details

Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer.

What You’ll Do: 

Demand Forecasting, and Planning:

• Develop accurate sales and inventory forecasts based on historical data, market trends, go forward activity, and promotional plans.
• Utilize forecasting tools and techniques to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts.
• Monitor and analyze forecast accuracy, making adjustments as needed.
• Manage the EOL (end of life) process for skus that are sunsetting.  Minimize split shipments by exception managing EOL skus.

Inventory Management:

• Manage inventory levels to achieve target service levels and minimize excess inventory.
• Analyze inventory performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability.
• Manage open to buy budgets

Category Performance Analysis:

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Develop and maintain category performance reports and dashboards.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the Category Manager and other stakeholders.
• Analyze sell through data and make recommendations on go forward steps (markdowns and re-orders)

Assortment Planning: 

• Assist in developing and executing assortment plans that align with category strategies and customer needs. 
• Analyze product performance and recommend adjustments to the assortment. 
• Collaborate with merchandising teams to ensure alignment on product selection.

Promotional Planning: 

• Assist in planning and executing promotional activities to drive sales and achieve category objectives.
• Analyze promotional effectiveness and make recommendations for future promotions. 
• Partner with marketing to ensure clarity and alignment on promotional calendar.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with merchandising, product development, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure effective execution of category plans. 
• Communicate category performance and insights to stakeholders. 
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and projects.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 7+ years of experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Understanding of supply chain principles.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Strong understanding of retail math and financial analysis.
• Experience with forecasting, assortment, and inventory management software
• Proficiency in Google Sheets and data analysis tools.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Leadership Competencies:

Leading Self:

      Leading Others:

• Inspiring Trust

• Adaptability

• Mature Confidence

• Career and Self Development

• Driving Execution

• Building Organizational Relationships

• Empowering Others

• Fostering Open Dialogue

• Attracting & Developing Talent

• Leadership Versatility

Physical Environment & Travel Expectations: 

• Travel is required for Less than 10% of company-related meetings, programs, and/or events.

• Sitting is required 90% of working hours.

• Standing is required 10% of working hours.

• Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)

• Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending.

• Noise level no greater than casual conversation.

• Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting.

• Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees.

Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks

Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our products—it's about our people too.  That's why our Dam Good Crew enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support their well-being and success.

• Multiple Medical plan options 

• Dental & Vision plans 

• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Health Savings Account including company contributions  

• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D

• Company paid Short-Term Disability

• Other various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance

• 401(k) Employer Match 

• Parental Leave

• Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

• Paid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employees

• Daily pay available  

• 40% Employee Discount 

• Flexible Fridays 

• Onsite fitness center

Position Compensation Outline 

Compensation Range: $78,000 - $105,000/year 

This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program. 

Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.

#LIONSITE

The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About Duluth Trading Company

Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating.

From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it’s all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life.

Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that’s hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.