American Exchange Group

Director of Merchandise Planning

American Exchange Group

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: New York City • New York • United States

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Salary

💰 $140,000 - $160,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Fully accountable for managing the end-to-end planning process of the product lifecycle; from pre-season financial and merchandise planning to in-season sales and inventory optimization, and post-season hindsight and analysis
  • Partner with Brand leadership, Finance, and Merchandising to develop assortment strategies aligned with brand priorities and financial goals
  • Conduct detailed assortment and SKU-level hindsight analysis; present insights and actionable recommendations to drive productivity, margin, and inventory turn
  • Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Sales, and Production to build seasonal line plans at the class and subclass level
  • Develop comprehensive seasonal $/unit buy plans that support topline and margin targets
  • Lead assortment rationalization and optimization across all channels of distribution to support business growth
  • Determine the appropriate balance of newness vs. core carryover to maximize sales and profitability
  • Create and manage monthly forecasts and reforecasts at the channel and product level for sales, margin, and inventory; maintain healthy turn and ending inventory targets
  • Partner with Merchandising on pricing and promotional strategies based on sales trends and inventory positions
  • Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage end-of-season risks and residual exposure
  • Facilitate timely disposition of non-go-forward inventory through wholesale and alternate channels
  • Oversee replenishment programs in partnership with Demand Planning
  • Analyze sales performance to identify key trends, opportunities, and underperforming categories
  • Supervise and develop the Merchandise Planner and Associate Planner

Requirements

  • 8–10 years of relevant experience in Merchandise Planning, preferably within an eCommerce or omnichannel environment, including Sales, Margin Forecasting, and Open-to-Buy management
  • Strong experience in both top-down and bottom-up planning, with a deep understanding of key financial metrics including sales, gross margin, and weeks of supply
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, drive alignment, and ensure accountability across teams
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex analysis clearly to senior leadership
  • Highly adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across Merchandising, Marketing, Sourcing, and Finance
  • Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
  • Advanced Excel proficiency, including the ability to analyze large datasets, build intuitive reporting, and utilize advanced formulas and pivot tables
  • Experience within high-end furniture, home, or luxury lifestyle brands strongly preferred.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
  • Half Day Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Tax-free commuter benefits
  • Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
Merchandise PlanningSales ForecastingMargin ForecastingOpen-to-Buy ManagementAssortment StrategiesInventory OptimizationSKU-level AnalysisReplenishment ProgramsData AnalysisFinancial Metrics
Soft Skills
LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationAdaptabilityOrganizational SkillsAttention to DetailCross-functional Initiative ManagementPresentation SkillsAccountabilityProblem Solving