Sr. Manager, Merchandising Planning & Analysis

The Sr. Manager, Merchandising Planning & Analysis is is a key driver of profitable growth and operational excellence across Retail, E-commerce, and B2B channels. This role leverages data and analytics to inform assortment strategies, optimize product lifecycles, and support competitive pricing and promotional decisions. Working closely with cross-functional teams—including Merchandising, Product Management, Pricing, Inventory Accounting, Supply Chain, and Marketing—the role ensures category plans align with business objectives and market trends. They are responsible for developing accurate sales and margin forecasts, analyzing category performance, and providing actionable insights that influence critical business decisions, while also managing the end-to-end product lifecycle to maximize profitability and minimize risk.

Although the role does not directly manage open-to-buy budgets or execute purchasing and allocation decisions, they serve as a vital thought partner to those functions, ensuring inventory, pricing, and promotional strategies are informed by robust analysis and market intelligence. The role also champions process improvement and innovation, including the adoption of advanced analytics and AI tools to enhance data visibility, forecasting accuracy, and decision-making. This highly collaborative and strategic position requires strong business acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to influence without direct authority. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, is passionate about continuous improvement, and plays a crucial role in shaping the future success of the merchandising organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analytics & Forecasting
• Owns and publishes detailed sales and margin forecasts for assigned categories, integrating insights from Merchants, Finance, and other stakeholders. Conducts in-depth analysis of sales trends, inventory performance, and assortment productivity. Monitors key profitability drivers—including COGS, marketplace fees, and distribution expenses—to ensure positive variable profit and support data-driven decision making. Develops and maintains reporting dashboards to communicate results and opportunities to leadership.
• Assortment & Lifecycle Management
• Partners with Merchandising and Product teams to develop, optimize, and rationalize product assortments across Retail, E-commerce, and B2B channels. Manages product lifecycle transitions, including introductions, exits, and end-of-life strategies, with a focus on maximizing profitability and minimizing margin erosion. Collaborates with Inventory Accounting to assess reserve levels and balance discounting strategies for discontinued items. Conducts competitive and market analysis to inform assortment decisions.
• Pricing & Promotional Strategy
• Collaborates with Pricing teams to ensure competitive and profitable pricing strategies. Analyzes pricing impacts and recommends adjustments to drive sales and margin improvement. Supports the planning, execution, and post-analysis of promotional activities, evaluating effectiveness and identifying future opportunities. Provides recommendations for pricing and promotional tactics based on data and market trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Works closely with Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, Inventory Accounting, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment on product launches, promotions, assortment changes, and lifecycle management. Acts as a key liaison to gather inputs, share insights, and drive consensus on business strategies. Facilitates communication and alignment across functions to support seamless execution.
• Process Improvement & Innovation
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance merchandising planning, reporting, and execution. Champions the adoption of new tools and technologies—including AI—to improve data visibility, forecasting accuracy, and decision-making. Continuously seeks opportunities to streamline workflows and drive operational excellence.

Education and Experience

Level of Formal Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Area of Study

Business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field; MBA or advanced degree a plus.

Minimum Years of Experience

7

Type of Experience

merchandise planning, inventory management, or related retail planning roles. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus

Technical Competencies & Information Systems

Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency in Excel and planning software (e.g., JDA, Oracle, SAP).

Skills & Abilities

• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical Acumen
• Collaboration & Influence
• Results Orientation
• Adaptability
• Leadership

Additional Language Skills

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

About The ODP Group

The ODP Group, through its business entities ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot, is a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores.

Commitment to Safety

We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for our Coworkers and our customers. All Coworkers are expected to support our operational safety culture by working safely and addressing potential hazards or concerns.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Coworkers assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Coworkers so classified. Other duties may be assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunities to move and grow within our organization! You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Application Deadline

The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the “Submit” button.