Merchandise Inventory Planning Manager

Position: Merchandise Inventory Planning Manager

Department: Inventory

Reports To: VP of Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time / In-House

Job Summary:

At Branded Bills, we pride ourselves on delivering premium custom headwear and apparel with exceptional craftsmanship. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Merchandise Planning to lead merchandise planning, inventory management, and order execution across core products, custom applications, and seasonal assortments. This role is pivotal in connecting sales demand with operational execution — ensuring optimal inventory levels, on-time product flow, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning & Strategy: Lead pre-season purchasing planning (top-down & bottom-up), monthly open-to-buy forecasting, and in-season pricing/promotion strategies.

Financial Targets: Deliver financial targets (revenue, margin, unit goals by category) and identify replenishment versus new product opportunities.

Inventory Management: Own product margin goals and inventory levels; analyze MOQs, costing, lead times, and vendor requirements.

Logistics & Freight: Oversee carrier and freight forwarder relationships, negotiations, and international freight operations including customs and compliance.

Analysis & Reporting: Provide seasonal sales analysis (sell-through, top/bottom performers, margin analysis) and inventory health reports with carryover recommendations.

Channel Management: Communicate channel-specific requirements across wholesale, DTC, and specialty retail.

Operations & Data: Partner with Operations on receipts and inventory accuracy; maintain master files and new item setup.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Implement promote/demote strategies with sales and marketing teams.

Performance Tracking: Create flash reports for Senior Management on performance against plans.

Process Improvement: Develop and execute additional analysis and process implementation as needed.

Qualifications:

• BA Degree or equivalent.

• 7+ years of professional experience in an inventory controller or planning role.

• Advanced Excel and Word skills required.

• Netsuite experience required.

• Advanced analytical skills required; able to process and react to vast amounts of data.

• Certification in production and inventory management (CPIM) a plus.

• High level of organization and attention to detail.

• Self-starter with strong communication skills.

Compensation: $85,000 - $110,000

Benefits:

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

401k benefits

Employee discount