Merchandising Associate Planner – Editorial

Title of role: Merchandising Associate Planner – Editorial

Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required)
Approved Salary Range: $62,000- $72,000

About the Role:

As an Associate Planner – Merchandise Planning at Rue Gilt Groupe (RGG), you will play a critical role in shaping the daily discovery experience for our members. You will actively participate in the development and execution of merchandising and planning strategies for designated categories to drive top-line sales and bottom-line profitability.

Working closely with the Sr. Planner and cross-functional partners, you will act as a foundational pillar in ensuring our category visions are executed with precision. By leveraging data analysis and a keen knowledge of retail trends, you will support our mission to connect world-class brands to next-generation shoppers while optimizing inventory efficiency and maximizing financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Sr. Merchandise Planner and the Merchandising team to develop and execute comprehensive merchandise strategies across multiple departments. Contribute strategic insights to inform financial plans for your area of responsibility, and actively participate in in-season Open-to-Buy (OTB) discussions alongside the financial planner. Participate in establishing strategic initiatives that build highly curated assortment strategies, driving balanced growth, sales, and inventory efficiency.
• Evaluate and track the financial performance of merchandise categories against established KPIs to ensure alignment with larger business objectives.
• Provide data-backed insights and recommendations to the Merchandise Planning and Buying teams, transforming metrics into effective decision-making tools.
• Analyze category performance consistently to identify risk, unlock margin improvement, and discover whitespace product opportunities.
• Organize and prioritize your independent workload efficiently to ensure data accuracy and timely cross-functional execution.
• Cultivate innovation through a natural curiosity, constantly seeking new ideas to push past traditional retail metrics and elevate the customer experience.
• Identify and participate in process improvement opportunities within the merchandise planning department to streamline team throughput.
• Highly collaborative relationships with Merchandising, Programming, and other key departments to ensure total strategy alignment.
• Within the planning ecosystem by actively investing in your self-development.

Experience and Background Needed:

You are an analytical, detail-oriented professional with a passion for the "science" of retail planning. As a Tenacious problem solver, you excel at turning raw numbers into an actionable strategy and thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments. You are a Collaborative team member who values diverse input and communicates with a Kind, open-minded approach. Your natural curiosity drives you to be Innovative in your work—always seeking out process improvements and new ideas rather than simply following existing routines.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or another quantitative field preferred

Years of experience

• 1–2 years of experience in retail, retail buying, or merchandise planning.
• Previous experience in an e-commerce ecosystem is highly preferred.

Technical skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated planning and analytical skills with a basic understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with Business Intelligence (BI) software or retail math is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to flex, prioritize, and drive accurate results amidst competing timelines.

What our team offers

Working at RGG is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to join a mission-driven team that values Innovation and Impact. We are committed to supporting our employees' success and well-being:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Robust health, dental, and vision insurance effective on the date of hire.
• Time & Flexibility: Generous Flex Time Off (FTO) and flexible remote/hybrid work options that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Culture: A supportive, inclusive culture that encourages innovation, safety, and creative risk-taking.
• Community: Paid volunteer opportunities and regular DEI celebrations to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration.
• Impact: The chance to make a real, measurable impact at a mission-driven, fast-growing company poised for major expansion.

We encourage you to apply

Even if you don’t meet every single qualification, we’d still love to hear from you. We value passion, curiosity, and a commitment to learning as much as experience. We celebrate diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment for all our Associates.

Work Authorization

Rue Gilt Groupe requires all applicants to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Rue Gilt Groupe is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing Associates with equal pay for equal work and carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors, including but not limited to, prior experience, education, certification(s), license(s), skills and expertise, location, internal equity, and other factors that are job related and consistent with business need. Our goal is to support, reward and compensate the entire individual. Depending on role eligibility, your offer may also include bonus/commission, stock options, paid time off, medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Therefore, final offer amounts may vary from the amount stated.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Rue Gilt Groupe reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions or assign additional job responsibilities within your general skill set or capabilities. Rue Gilt Groupe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.