Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people! If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets, people and our planet.

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We're focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what's good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Position Overview

The Merchandise Planner plays a strategic role in driving sales, optimizing inventory, and enhancing customer satisfaction through data-driven planning and forecasting. This role requires a deep understanding of niche markets, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to ensure the right products are available at the right time and place.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning & Forecasting
• Develop and maintain merchandise financial plans by category, season, and store / channel
• Forecast sales, margin, and inventory targets based on historical data and market trends
• Collaborate with buying teams to build assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demand
• Inventory & Allocation
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies to minimize stockouts and overstocks
• Partner with allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across stores and channels
• Identify slow-moving items and propose markdowns, promotions, or reallocation strategies
• Financial Analysis
• Analyze performance metrics including sell-through, turn, margin, and ROI
• Prepare weekly / monthly business reviews and present insights to cross-functional teams
• Support pricing and promotional strategies to maximize profitability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and store operations teams
• Provide planning input for product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store openings
• Communicate inventory risks and opportunities to leadership

Skills & Qualifications

Analytical Thinking : Strong ability to interpret data and forecast trends

Retail Acumen : Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior

Communication : Clear and collaborative communication across departments

Technical Proficiency : Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning tools (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle)

Strategic Mindset : Ability to balance short-term needs with long-term business goals

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field

35 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail

Experience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plus

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

Salary Range : $66,000.00 - $99,000.00

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.