Position Overview
The Manager of Merchandise Planning and Optimization will report to the Director of Merchandise Planning and play a critical role in shaping and executing the merchandise planning strategy through strong technical expertise, system implementation and analytical rigor. The role focuses on implementing and optimizing planning tools and systems (e.g., assortment forecasting, OTB planning, financial planning frameworks) and will expand to support broader product and inventory planning.
Planning Tools, Systems & Technical Delivery
Lead the implementation, enhancement, and ongoing optimization of merchandise planning tools, including assortment forecasting models, OTB frameworks, and seasonal financial planning solutions.
Translate business requirements into functional tool design, working with internal teams and external system partners to ensure solutions are fit‑for‑purpose and scalable.
Own the refinement of planning logic, data inputs, assumptions, and outputs to improve forecast accuracy, inventory productivity, and investment decisions.
Act as the technical subject‑matter expert for planning tools and systems, ensuring consistency of use, data integrity, and clear governance.
Merchandise Forecasting & Financial Planning
Support the execution of the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process across categories and channels, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment to financial targets.
Build and maintain seasonal and long-range forecasts, aligning category-level detail with top-down financial targets in partnership with Finance.
Produce and continuously improve hindsight reporting, scenario modelling, and performance analyses to inform future planning decisions.
Support the establishment and tracking of key merchandise KPIs, including inventory turn, sell‑through, margin, and investment productivity.
Process Refinement & Operational Excellence
Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and manual workarounds in existing planning processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Support the standardisation of planning processes, calendars, and critical paths across categories and regions.
Partner with Allocation, Product Operations, Procurement, and Finance to ensure planning outputs are operationally executable and aligned with lead times and supply constraints.
Contribute to broader transformation initiatives by embedding new tools and ways of working into business‑as‑usual operations, partnering with Procurement, Supply Planning and Finance.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Support
Support both Director of Merchandise planning and VP of inventory planning to set up best‑in‑class reporting and critical path management.
Provide analytical support and insights to senior leadership at key trading and planning milestones.
Act as a bridge between strategic direction set by leadership and practical execution at team level.
About You
Advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, scenario modelling, pivots, dashboards, and structured templates.
Highly analytical, technically strong merchandise planning leader who enjoys building, fixing, and improving planning tools and processes.
Comfortable working in detail, handling complex datasets, and translating numbers into clear insights.
Motivated by creating structure, clarity, and scalable solutions, especially in implementation‑heavy roles.
Strong experience working with merchandise planning systems (e.g., financial planning, assortment planning, OTB tools).
High level of comfort manipulating large datasets and validating data accuracy.
Experience partnering with IT, Analytics, or external vendors on system implementation or enhancement.
Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail analytics within premium or luxury retail.
Strong understanding of retail financial metrics including OTB, margin, inventory turnover, and category performance.
Proven ability to implement planning tools and systems that scale with business growth.
Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills; comfortable engaging with executive leadership.
What’s in it For You?
- A company built on Canadian roots and heritage.
- Your work is recognized with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards Program.
- Opportunities for career growth through numerous internal and external programs.
- Recognition through Goose Rewards & ICON Rewards.
- Be a part of CG Gives, with donation matching and paid volunteer time.
- Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health.
- Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow.
Canada Goose is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
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