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.
- We love all pets like our own
- We’re the future of the pet industry
- We’re here to improve lives
- We drive outstanding results together
- We’re welcome as we are
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.
Merchandise Planner
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
3–5 years of experience in merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail
Experience with omnichannel retail and inventory optimization tools is a plus
#CORP
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.
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