Merchandise Planning Manager at AKIRA in Chicago, IL

AKIRA Merchandise Planning Manager

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (http://shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: Merchandise Planning Manager

Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite

Position Summary:

AKIRA is seeking a strategic, results-driven Planning Manager to lead merchandise financial planning across multiple categories and channels. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, margin expansion, and inventory productivity while supporting the company’s rapid growth.

The Planning Manager partners closely with Merchandising to influence assortment strategy, pricing, and inventory flow. This individual owns forecasting, open-to-buy, and in-season trade decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, requiring strong analytical skills, agility, and sound financial judgment**.**

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Ownership

• Own and drive annual and seasonal merchandise financial plans across multiple categories (sales, gross margin, inventory, turn, markdown rate).
• Lead rapid in-season trade decisions in a high-SKU, high-launch environment.
• Develop long-range planning strategies that align inventory investment with AKIRA's growth roadmap.
• Identify structural risks and opportunities; proactively adjust strategies to protect margin and optimize sell-through

Inventory & Channel Optimization

• Architect inventory flow strategies that support frequent newness launches and dynamic markdown cadence.
• Partner with Allocation leadership on store clustering, depth strategy, and inventory rebalancing frameworks.
• Improve inventory productivity metrics (WOS, sell-through, turn) through disciplined open-to-buy management and lifecycle planning.
• Influence pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to maximize profitability in a high-volume environment.

Advanced Forecasting & Analytics

• Build and refine forecasting models incorporating trend, velocity, and lifecycle analysis.
• Develop executive-level reporting and dashboards that create transparency and accountability.
• Champion planning systems enhancements and process optimization.

Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership

• Serve as a strategic partner to DMM/Directors and Buyers to align financial targets with assortment vision.
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and inventory investment planning.
• Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Planners and Associate Planners; elevate team analytical rigor and business acumen.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive retail merchandise planning experience (apparel/fashion preferred).
• Proven success operating in a fast-paced, high-SKU retail environment with frequent launches and markdown activity.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound financial decisions under tight timelines.
• Strong executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities.
• Omnichannel planning experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning systems and reporting tools.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.

Success Metrics

• Achievement and acceleration of sales and gross margin targets.
• Improved inventory turn and reduced markdown exposure despite high volume of launches.
• Increased forecast accuracy and inventory flow precision.
• Successful execution of omnichannel inventory strategies.
• Elevated planning processes and team performance.

Benefits and Perks: AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.