Merchandise and Demand Planning Specialist (Toys Category) - Starboard Cruise Services

This blended role supports the business through a combination of Demand Planning (primary) and Assistant Buying (secondary) responsibilities. The specialist will focus on driving sales, optimizing inventory, and supporting category management within the Toys categories.

What you’ll be doing:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demand Planning Responsibilities (Primary)

The specialist will be responsible for the execution of sales, inventory, and profitability goals of each category by way of inventory management and allocation of goods from DC to ships. Tasks include:

• Analyze and Forecast: Review historical sales trends and research demand drivers to develop accurate forecasts
• Drive Sales Through Inventory Optimization: Conduct weekly analyses of best sellers and monitor style/location in-stock variables/rates to identify opportunities to adjust buys for increased productivity
• Evaluate and Respond: Use reporting tools to identify potential lost sales, overstocks, display capacity gaps, or storage concerns. Take appropriate actions such as adjusting order quantities, re-directing merchandise, or canceling orders
• Support New Initiatives: Ensure proper stock investment for new ships and initiatives, communicating timing and status to stakeholders
• Vendor Collaboration: Assist the Merchandise Planner with replenishment orders by preparing inventory forecasts, aligning with OTB, and scheduling deliveries to the DC

Assistant Buyer Responsibilities (Secondary)

The specialist will support the buying team with tasks that contribute to assortment planning, vendor management, and product lifecycle management, including:

• Assortment Planning: Collaborate with the buyer to build a well-curated assortment that aligns with brand strategy and consumer preferences. Identify trends, gaps, and new opportunities to enhance the offering
• Vendor Relations: Maintain relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise, resolve issues, and negotiate terms as needed. Communicate inventory needs and sales performance insights regularly
• Performance Monitoring: Analyze category performance to identify top sellers and underperformers, driving decisions for markdowns, reorders, and exit strategies
• Product Data Management: Ensure product information (SKU, pricing, descriptions, etc.) is accurately maintained and updated in systems to support seamless execution
• Promotion and Visual Coordination: Collaborate with the marketing and visual teams to align promotions and in-store displays with buying strategies
• Ad Hoc Analysis: Prepare sales reports, trend analyses, and other ad hoc requests to support decision-making

What we’re looking for:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience in demand planning, buying, or merchandising roles preferred
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and other forecasting tools
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive, problem-solving approach
• Passion for retail and understanding of consumer behavior trends

Other:Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkSome flexibility in hours is permitted, employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and must work 30 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Physical Demands:Office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing, occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling use of office machinery. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Oral and auditory enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication automated devise such as the telephone.

What we commit to:

At Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media curating a vibrant world can only be accomplished by vibrant and diverse teams. We are committed to nurturing a workplace where you can feel safe to show up authentically and thrive while being uniquely you. Our North Star guides us to deliver equal employment opportunities for all individuals and to providing employees with an equitable work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We also aim to extend this commitment to the partners we work with and the guests we serve. We are constantly listening, learning, and evolving to deliver on these promises.

We believe our differences make us stronger and are curious to see you leverage your lived experiences to strengthen our team, our culture and your career. At Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media we take action so that no one is discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability (physical, mental or sensory), ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, genetic information, family care status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions will be made based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications.

So come onboard with us and celebrate a culture that attracts top talent with shared values and forms the foundation for a great place to work.