Retail Merchandise Planner & Buyer in Beaverton, Oregon - #72229 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72229

Retail Merchandise Planner & Buyer
Our client is seeking a Retail Merchandise Planner & Buyer who thrives at the intersection of analytics, merchandising execution, and operational decision-making. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on retail planning or buying experience who understands how to translate data into tactical actions that drive inventory performance, assortment optimization, and commercial results. The ideal candidate brings strong retail systems acumen, business judgment, and the ability to clearly communicate strategic recommendations in a fast-moving environment.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Retail Merchandise Planner & Buyer Responsibilities

• Analyze sales trends, inventory performance, and assortment productivity to develop actionable merchandising and buying recommendations.
• Drive in-season business management through ongoing monitoring of key retail metrics including sell-through, inventory turn, stock-to-sales ratios, margin performance, and product lifecycle health.
• Support assortment planning, buy management, forecasting, and inventory decision-making to ensure alignment with business objectives and consumer demand.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including merchandising, planning, allocation, and operations to execute seasonal and in-season business strategies.
• Leverage retail planning systems, reporting tools, and Excel-based analysis to maintain data integrity, generate insights, and support decision-making.
• Evaluate promotional performance, pricing opportunities, and inventory risks to improve overall business outcomes.
• Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities within product categories and proactively recommend adjustments to maximize performance.
• Present findings, recommendations, and business rationale clearly to stakeholders and leadership.

Retail Merchandise Planner & Buyer Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in retail merchandising, merchandise planning, inventory planning, buying, or a related commercial retail function.
• Demonstrated experience making tactical business decisions using retail performance data, inventory metrics, and merchandising systems.
• Strong understanding of retail math, including sell-through, stock-to-sales, inventory turn, forecasting, margin management, and assortment productivity.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze large datasets, build reports, and translate findings into business recommendations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail, consumer products, wholesale, or related product-driven environment; directly relevant industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience using merchandise planning, allocation, inventory, or retail reporting systems; familiarity with enterprise planning tools is highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate thought process, recommendations, and business rationale.
• Proven ability to balance analytical rigor with practical execution in a highly cross-functional environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or a related field preferred.

Compensation: Up to $32.67/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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