{"id":1047886,"url":"https://alion.io/job/hottopic-associate-merchandise-planner","title":"Associate Merchandise Planner","company":{"id":678703,"name":"Hot Topic","domain":"hottopic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/hottopic","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Lever","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":5,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.8,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":62,"computed_at":"2026-11-04T06:34:25Z"}},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":"junior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["City of Industry, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":67000,"max":77000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":77000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":1,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-18T21:45:32Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-18","last_verified_at":"2026-11-04T20:11:30Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":47,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":47},"description":"Do you have the organizational skills of Belle keeping her library in order or the strategic mind of Doctor Strange planning ten steps ahead? We are seeking a proactive and analytical Associate Merchandise Planner to play a key role in driving inventory efficiency and sales performance. This role is ideal for someone with foundational experience in planning who is ready to take the next step in their career. If you have the determination of T’Challa leading Wakanda, the problem-solving skills of Peter Parker balancing life and responsibility, and the drive of Mulan proving her worth, then this is the opportunity for you! You'll work cross-functionally to optimize stock levels, analyze trends, and contribute to business growth.\nThis role operates on a hybrid schedule and will require to work from our HQ located in the City of Industry, CA, three days a week.\nWHAT YOU'LL DO\nMonitor sales and inventory levels to support business goals.\nAnalyze product performance and customer demand to optimize assortment.\nManage and maintain the open-to-buy process, providing recommendations to ensure alignment of sales, margin, and inventory goals.\nLeverage KPIs such as sales, margin, and sell-through to proactively highlight opportunities, mitigate risks, and influence proper inventory levels.\nWork closely with buying and marketing teams when planning promotional strategy.\nUse analytics tools to generate insights and assist with reporting.\nEvaluate competitive retail trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for assortment and pricing strategies.\nWHAT YOU'LL NEED\nBachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.\n1-2 years of experience in retail planning or inventory management.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.\nProficiency in Excel and an understanding of data analysis.\nExcellent communication and collaboration skills.\nHighly organized with strong attention to detail.\nAbility to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.\nVBA and/or AI experience is a plus but not required.","description_format":"text","description_chars":2076,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":1,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Apparel & Fashion 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