Merchandise Planner

Direct message the job poster from Criquet Shirts

We’re looking for a sharp Merchandise Planner to be the strategic backbone of our product team, reporting to the Chief Product Officer. You’ll help translate Criquet’s creative vision into a profitable reality, balancing big-picture seasonal goals with SKU-level execution to ensure we have the right gear in stock at the right time.

You’ll own the roadmap—aligning pre-season buy plans with sales targets and managing the in-season hustle. You’ll be the "eyes and ears" of the business, analyzing weekly performance to keep inventory healthy. From vendor projections to SKU-level exit strategies, you'll ensure we’re maximizing sales without overextending our cash flow.

You’re a "data storyteller" and an Excel wizard who can turn a mountain of numbers and SKUs into a clear action plan. You’re proactive, highly organized, and a 360‑degree communicator. You find the balance between the "why" of the data and the "how" to reach our sales goals.

• Experience:
  
  5+ years in apparel buying, planning, or merchandising (menswear is a plus)
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, or Economics
• Tech
  
  Skills:
  
  Expert-level Excel skills and a deep understanding of retail math/OTB
• Soft Skills:
  
  A knack for prioritizing multiple projects and communicating complex data

• Own and execute the preseason, top‑down planning process to align with Criquet’s sales and margin goals by channel, while supporting seasonal merchandising strategies and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and maintain accurate in‑season, bottoms‑up forecast for all SKUs and time horizons by incorporating statistical models, historical data, and commercial inputs (promotions, holidays, new product launches).
• Analyze business performance, providing weekly reporting on sales, margin, and inventory turnover, and make recommendations for in‑season adjustments.

• Translate preseason buy plans into a comprehensive supply plan, supporting Product Development, Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing initiatives.
• Partner with Finance for product payment cash flow planning, as well as overall sales goals.
• Communicate future vendor projections on a regular basis to ensure manufacturing capacity and materials are secured to meet anticipated needs.
• Support and collaborate with Buyer during Purchase Order process, ensuring preseason buy plan is finalized and executable before bulk PO due date.
• Work closely with Product Development and Merch Ops to account for any timing changes in production or shipping timeline.
• Communicate with Ecommerce Coordinator on a regular basis to identify site merchandising opportunities to increase sales.

• Establish and maintain systems to manage inventory targets, safety stock levels, and replenishment triggers to minimize stockouts while maximizing inventory turnover.
• Identify chase/cancel opportunities to maximize sales.
• Proactively identify inventory risks and partner with cross‑functional teams (Sales/Marketing for push/pull strategies, Finance/Marketing for promotion and liquidation) to mitigate impact.
• Create and execute SKU‑level exit strategies and markdowns.
• Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy, planning processes, and systems utilization to enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

• 5+ years of experience in apparel buying/merchandising/planning at SKU‑intensive brand; menswear experience a plus.
• 4‑Year College degree required;
  Degree in Retail Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, or Economics preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication ability; adept at presenting information and storytelling with data.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage KPIs, Open‑to‑Buy, and inventory.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, including prioritization, planning, task delegation and communication of big picture.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and follow up are critical.
• Ability to communicate complex issues, risks and opportunities in an easily…