Company & Benefits Information At Blain’s Farm & Fleet we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a job they love, work in a great environment, grow their career & enjoy a positive balance. As a family-owned retailer we take pride in offering a competitive benefit package designed to support you & your life. It is one of the reasons we have been named a Forbes Best Employer for seven consecutive years! Associates hired into a full-time role will become eligible for the following benefits effective their 91st day of full-time employment: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Ancillary Benefits, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Etc. All major Holidays & Birthday off Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more! Internal recognition programs that support an engaged workplace Profit Sharing 401(K) with company match Compensation Base pay between $75,300 - $100,000/yr with annual performance-based merit raises* The pay listed for this position may vary based on experience. Please note, compensation decisions are contingent on the facts and conditions for each job opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires. Please note salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Blain’s Farm & Fleet position description for accurate pay range information. Job Duties The Merchandise Planner serves in a collaborative leadership role to support key business goals, including sales, margin, turnover, and average inventory. This role works cross-functionally to lead the development and execution of financial, forecasting, seasonal, and promotional plans that align with and support the demand planning process. The Merchandise Planner analyzes data to optimize inventory levels, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives while fostering strong collaboration between buying, marketing, and supply chain teams. Develop and lead execution of timing and action plans for all planning and forecasting activities. Collaborate with Divisional Merchandise Managers, Buyers, and Demand Planning Managers to develop strategic product entrance and exit strategies. Coordinate communication and problem solving with internal and external customers regarding Pos, capacities, and forecasting. Develop goals and drive performance to support sales, margin, and inventory. Track sales performance of existing product and assist in determining next steps; develop forecasts and annual merchandise plans. Track and manage open to buy, reacting to both positive and negative trends. Analyze data and trends to identify risks and opportunities; provide action plan to leverage or reconcile differences. Develop overall division strategy for weekly sales, margin, and receipt plans. Demonstrate awareness and compliance with Loss Prevention and safety policies and/or procedures. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in merchandising, business administration, supply chain management, or a related field preferred 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or demand planning in a retail or e-commerce environment Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office software In-depth knowledge of merchandise planning, including financial planning, sales forecasting, and inventory management Familiarity with demand planning processes and how they integrate with merchandise strategies Understanding of retail trends, consumer behavior, and seasonal patterns that impact product performance Strong analytical skills to assess sales trends, demand forecasts, and inventory performance Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams (e.g., buying, marketing, supply chain) Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve merchandise and inventory challenges EEO Statement Blain Supply, Inc and Blain’s Farm and Fleet (collectively “Blain’s”) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity and creating an inclusive culture in order to leverage the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. Blain’s does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any applicable legally protected status. Our goal is to continue to be recognized as an employer of choice and we have received Forbes Best Mid-Sized company to work for an unprecedented 7 years in a row.