We are seeking a strategic and analytical Merchandise Manager to join our apparel company. This role is responsible for driving merchandise financial planning, forecasting, and inventory strategies to support sales, margin, and inventory turn objectives. The ideal candidate is a data-driven decision-maker with strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly in working with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

•          Develop and manage merchandise financial plans by category, channel, and product line to align with corporate goals.

•          Forecast sales, inventory, and replenishment needs across various apparel product categories.

•          Partner with sales and marketing teams to align promotions, product launches, and seasonal strategies with demand forecasts.

•          Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to identify opportunities and risks.

•          Manage open-to-buy budgets, and recommend product flow strategies to optimize inventory levels and reduce stock-outs or overages.

•          Lead the monthly planning and forecasting cadence including demand planning, sales trend analysis, and scenario planning.

•          Collaborate with supply chain and operations teams to ensure timely and accurate inventory availability.

•          Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on product performance, margin optimization, and financial outcomes.

•          Maintain planning tools, systems, and reporting dashboards to ensure accurate and timely data visibility.

Qualifications:

•          Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree a plus.

•          5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, demand planning, or inventory management, preferably in a apparel or retail environment.

•          Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and planning software (e.g., Anaplan, JDA).

•          Excellent communication and collaboration skills; experience working in cross-functional teams.

•          Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

•          Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.