Merchandising Planning Analyst – Produce Category Strategy & Forecasting (Remote/Hybrid – Immediate Start)

Welcome to Workwarp – Where Innovation Meets Retail Excellence

At Workwarp, we partner with industry‑leading retailers to transform the way consumers experience the aisles they love. Our collaboration with Target, one of the most recognized names in retail, places us at the forefront of strategic merchandising, data‑driven decision‑making, and category growth. As a remote‑first organization, we empower our team members to work from wherever they thrive best—whether that’s a home office, a local coffee shop, or the hybrid blend of occasional on‑site collaboration. Join a culture that values curiosity, continuous learning, and bold ideas, while you help shape the future of fresh produce for millions of shoppers across the nation.

Why This Role Matters – The Impact of a Produce Merch Planner

The Produce category is a cornerstone of Target’s grocery business, driving both foot traffic and brand loyalty. As a Merchandising Planning Analyst – Produce, you will serve as the analytical engine behind the category’s financial health, ensuring that every apple, avocado, and seasonal fruit arrives on shelves at the perfect moment and price point. Your insights will influence purchasing decisions, inventory allocation, and promotional strategies, directly contributing to revenue growth and customer satisfaction. This is more than a job; it’s a strategic partnership that blends creativity with rigor, allowing you to leave a measurable imprint on a fast‑moving, high‑visibility segment of the retail landscape.

Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Own Every Day

• Seasonal Performance Analysis: Dive deep into historical sales, price elasticity, and weather‑related trends to produce comparative reports that guide inventory replenishment and markdown strategies.
• Cross‑Functional Liaison: Act as the primary conduit between the Merchandising team and Supply Chain Operations, translating financial targets into actionable supply plans.
• In‑Season Decision Support: Provide real‑time analytics and recommendations for assortment adjustments, promotional timing, and product placement while the season is in full swing.
• Localization & Channel Strategy: Develop data‑driven recommendations for tailoring product mixes to regional preferences and specific sales channels (e‑commerce, curbside, in‑store).
• Demand Forecasting & Open‑to‑Buy Management: Lead the creation of accurate demand forecasts, manage the open‑to‑buy (OTB) budget, and ensure that category investments align with financial goals.
• Root‑Cause Variance Analysis: Investigate discrepancies between forecasted and actual sales, identifying underlying causes such as supply shortages, promotional lift, or external market forces.
• Scenario Planning & Unit Plan Development: Build “what‑if” models to test the impact of different pricing, promotion, and assortment scenarios on profitability and inventory turnover.
• Promo Forecast Validation: Partner with the Pricing & Promotion Center of Excellence to validate promotional forecasts, ensuring that promotional spend drives desired lift without eroding margin.
• Event Forecast Creation: Design and execute forecasts for special events (e.g., holiday bundles, seasonal festivals) and manage the lifecycle of items from introduction through end‑of‑season clearance.
• Data Storytelling: Transform complex datasets into clear, compelling narratives for senior leadership, fostering data‑driven decision‑making across the organization.

Essential Qualifications – What You Need to Succeed

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Economics, Data Science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, CBM) are a plus.
• Experience: 2‑6 years of professional experience in merchandising, category planning, or supply chain analytics, with at least 1‑2 years focused on a consumer‑goods or grocery environment.
• Analytical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to interpret large data sets, perform statistical analysis, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Financial Literacy: Strong grasp of profit‑and‑loss statements, margin management, and budgeting processes, specifically open‑to‑buy principles.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, complex formulas), experience with forecasting tools (e.g., SAS, R, Python, PowerBI, Tableau), and familiarity with ERP or retail planning systems (e.g., JDA, Oracle Retail).
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven track record of influencing cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Comfortable thriving in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment, with a proactive mindset toward solving ambiguous problems.

Preferred Qualifications – Nice‑to‑Have Skills and Experience

• Direct experience in the produce or broader food‑manufacturing sector.
• Hands‑on exposure to category‑level pricing, promotional strategy, and markdown optimization.
• Knowledge of consumer behavior trends, especially related to health, sustainability, and convenience.
• Familiarity with advanced analytics platforms (e.g., Alteryx, Snowflake) and machine‑learning forecasting methods.
• Certification in data analytics or supply chain management (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, CSCP).

Core Skills & Competencies – The DNA of a Top Performer

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while meticulously managing details that drive category profitability.
• Problem Solving: Resourceful, data‑driven approach to uncovering root causes and developing innovative solutions.
• Influence & Negotiation: Persuasive communicator who can champion data‑backed proposals to senior leadership and supplier partners.
• Time Management: Expert at juggling multiple deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of forecasts, analyses, and reports.
• Technology Curiosity: Enthusiasm for exploring new tools, automation opportunities, and emerging industry platforms.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset: Understanding of how produce availability, freshness, and pricing affect shopper satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities – Your Journey at Workwarp

We believe that career development is a two‑way street. As a Merch Planner, you will have access to a robust learning ecosystem that includes:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior category leaders to accelerate skill development and broaden strategic perspective.
• Professional Development Stipends: Annual budget for certifications, conferences, or advanced coursework in analytics, supply chain, or retail management.
• Rotational Assignments: Opportunities to gain exposure across merchandising, supply chain, pricing, and e‑commerce functions.
• Leadership Pathways: Clear promotion tracks from Analyst to Senior Planner, Category Manager, and eventually Director of Merchandise Planning.
• Innovation Labs: Participate in cross‑functional hackathons and data‑science challenges that shape future retail technology initiatives.

Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Be Part of the Team

Our remote‑first model empowers you to craft a work‑life balance that fits your personal style. We provide:

• Flexible Scheduling: Core hours for collaboration, with autonomy to structure the rest of your day.
• Virtual Collaboration Spaces: Integrated communication platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) that keep you connected to colleagues worldwide.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to building a workforce that reflects the customers we serve, with employee resource groups and inclusive leadership training.
• Well‑Being Initiatives: Access to mental‑health resources, wellness challenges, and ergonomic home‑office stipends.
• Recognition Programs: Regular acknowledgment of high performers through awards, spot bonuses, and internal shout‑outs.

Compensation, Perks, & Benefits – What We Offer

While exact salary ranges will be discussed during the interview process, we guarantee a competitive compensation package that reflects your experience and expertise. In addition to base pay, you will be eligible for:

• Performance‑Based Incentives: Quarterly bonuses tied to category profitability and forecast accuracy.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave to recharge.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Financial protection for you and your loved ones.
• Employee Discount Program: Access to exclusive discounts on Target merchandise and partner brands.
• Continuous Learning Allowance: Annual budget for courses, certifications, and professional memberships.
• Technology Stipend: Support for home‑office equipment, high‑speed internet, and collaboration tools.

How to Apply – Take the Next Step in Your Career

If you are ready to blend analytical rigor with creative merchandising strategy and make a tangible impact on one of the nation’s most beloved produce categories, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application, resume, and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for this role.

Apply Now – Join Workwarp’s Produce Planning Team

Your Future Starts Here

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the fresh‑food experience for millions of shoppers while advancing your own professional growth. At Workwarp, your ideas matter, your data drives decisions, and your career path is limitless. Apply today and become a catalyst for retail innovation.