Merchandise Planning Specialist

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.  

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving. 

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.  

And we believe in you.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Merchandise Planning Specialist supports the financial and inventory planning needs of our Full Price DTC businesses across Branded, Employee & Ecommerce channels. This role is designed for an early‑career planner who is analytical, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn the fundamentals of merchandise planning.

In the first 6–9 months, this position focuses on supporting tools, templates, reporting, and ad‑hoc analysis across the entire full price DTC planning team. Over time, and with proven capability, this Specialist will be assigned a specific category to learn end‑to‑end planning and OTB management.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Build, maintain, and enhance planning tools, templates, and standardized reporting that support weekly, monthly, and seasonal business reviews.
• Support the creation and maintenance of in‑season forecasts and OTB tracking for planners and leadership.

• Partner with Planners, Buyers and Allocators across the DTC businesses by providing clear, accurate data to inform decisions on buys, replenishment, and inventory flow.

• Contribute to process improvements that streamline reporting, enhance forecast accuracy, or strengthen inventory visibility.
• Learn planning systems (e.g., Blue Yonder or similar tools) and develop expertise in retail math and forecasting methodologies.

YOU ARE

• Analytical and detail-focused, with strong problem‑solving skills.
• A clear communicator who can translate numbers into insights.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to develop a strong foundation in merchandise planning.
• Comfortable juggling multiple tasks and working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment.

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Analytics or a related field (or relevant experience).
• 1–3 years of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, buying support, demand planning, or similar analytical retail roles.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, including formulas, Pivot Tables, and data manipulation.
• Experience with analytical/reporting tools; Power BI experience preferred
• Solid understanding of retail math concepts (or ability to learn quickly).
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines.

#LI-JD1

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.