Merchandise Planner

Overview

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for executing the merchandise planning process for assigned departments or categories. Working under the direction of a Senior Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Planning Manager, or Director, the Merchandise Planner develops and maintains financial plans, analyzes business performance, and partners with the Buying and Allocation teams to support sound inventory management and achieve departmental financial goals.

• Develop, maintain, and revise bottom‑up department sales, margin, and inventory turn plans for assigned categories in alignment with divisional and company financial goals.
• Partner with the Buying team to manage inventory levels through accurate forecasting, assortment planning, and markdown strategies.
• Maintain open‑to‑buy for assigned departments, ensuring all purchase orders fall within approved financial parameters.
• Develop sales and margin goals for promotional events within assigned categories; coordinate with the Allocation team to support appropriate inventory levels on promotional merchandise.
• Identify and communicate weekly markdown needs and recommendations to the Senior Merchandise Planner, Merchandise Planning Manager, or Director.
• Run and analyze reports on a regular basis to monitor business performance, identify trends, and surface risks and opportunities to planning leadership.
• Partner with the Allocation team to support inventory balance across store locations for assigned departments.
• Assist in the development and training of Associate Planners as directed.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings with Buying, Allocation, and Finance teams to support integrated business planning.
• Demonstrate a commitment to The Container Store’s values.

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 2+ years of merchandise planning or related retail experience.
• Highly motivated and results‑oriented with a demonstrated ability to deliver against departmental financial goals.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with cross‑functional partners including Buying and Allocation.
• Ability to present business performance updates and action plans to planning leadership.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong technical skills; specifically Microsoft Excel and Business Intelligence software.
• Experience with Planning and Allocation tools preferred;
  Oracle/JDA plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

• Rewarding pay.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique “1equals3” website for benefits information and company updates.
• Competitive sick pay and PTO plan.
• Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
• Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program.
• Discounts on products, custom spaces, services, gift cards, and pet insurance.
• Service awards and retirement gifts; recognition of exceptional daily contributions.
• Employee Resource and Affinity Groups participation and community giving support.

The Container Store promotes a smoke‑free, drug‑free environment. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.