Principal Merchandise Planner

Job Overview

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. Employees are expected to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. The in‑office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company. As the Principal Merchandise Planner – Women’s Apparel for North America, the role focuses on driving financial results that maximize sales, inventory, and profitability across style, department, and category levels for branded and employee store channels in the U.S. and Canada.

• Collaborate with DTC Buyers to develop and communicate a comprehensive strategy that aligns future financial and product opportunities.
• Analyze historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities by department and class for future seasons.
• Recap and analyze actual sales results to plan and forecast in‑season business on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
• Own the Style Forecasting process for assigned categories; collaborate with the DTC Merch team to build style forecasts using the Blue Yonder Forecasting tool based on assortment.
• Take responsibility for the open‑to‑buy process and forecasts, reacting to recent business and inventory needs.
• Participate in cross‑functional initiatives to develop processes and systems that support forecasting, replenishment, and allocation activities.
• Take part in the Quarterly Budget Review, communicating the retail reforecast with other Columbia Business Units.
• Work with cross‑functional teams on marketing strategies, site‑ops directives, and KPI plans.
• Present sales and inventory strategies for assigned categories, including weekly in‑season performance updates and insights, to cross‑functional business partners.
• Optional minimal travel may be required.

• Analytical and numbers‑oriented with a vision of how merchandise should be presented and an understanding of consumer trends.
• Strategic thinker and influential communicator who leads through expertise, collaboration, and data‑driven storytelling.
• Able to navigate ambiguity and guide teams toward aligned decisions.
• Trusted advisor who sets direction and raises the bar for planning excellence.
• Strong knowledge of retail math, including the intricacies of open‑to‑buy, inventory turnover, and gross margin.
• Familiarity with merchandise management systems and retail planning/forecasting software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in retail merchandise planning, demand planning, buying, or allocation.
• Experience with style forecasting methodologies and/or tools.
• Experience working in a merchant organization as a planner, buyer, or equivalent position.
• Experience in a wholesale apparel organization is preferred.
• Prior retail planning experience and strong organizational and influencing skills are required.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including formulas, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and IF statements.
• Project Management experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Blue Yonder Enterprise Planning (or similar OTB software) and/or Blue Yonder Demand/Fulfillment (or similar statistical demand forecast system) is preferred.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full‑time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs support overall employee well‑being by aligning with physical, social/emotional, financial, career, and community well‑being. Benefits protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401(k) plan plus a generous company match.

Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and a range of voluntary benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP+, which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services, extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts, and a generous time‑off program.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

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