Entry Level Merchandise Planning Manager Jobs
New grad merchandise planning manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or hands-on coursework in retail planning can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Retail, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Distribution & Wholesale, with employers like Target, Lockheed Martin, and Meijer hiring at this level now.
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Job Description
As a chef on our Restaurant team, you’ll play a dual role — part kitchen genius, part artist. In this role, you’ll…
A day in the life…
- Complete a comprehensive Manager in Training program that covers all the ins and outs of running a successful kitchen
- Lead the kitchen crew in scratch cooking our tried and true recipes, while also preparing weekly specials
- Train, motivate and develop the kitchen staff while also focusing on the business goals of process improvements, growth, efficiency, profitability and compliance with company procedures
- Make sure the kitchen sparkles and is always ready to pass the white glove test
You own this if you have…
- Been there and done that for 2+ years in full service, upscale restaurant management
- Passion and knowledge about; quality food; and exceptional customer service
- Solid written and verbal communications skills, as well as basic accounting skills
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment and embraced working a flexible schedule
- A food handler’s card where required by local and state regulations
Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
California: $55,500 - $89,000 annually
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
© 2026 Nordstrom, Inc
Job Description
As a chef on our Restaurant team, you’ll play a dual role — part kitchen genius, part artist. In this role, you’ll…
A day in the life…
- Complete a comprehensive Manager in Training program that covers all the ins and outs of running a successful kitchen
- Lead the kitchen crew in scratch cooking our tried and true recipes, while also preparing weekly specials
- Train, motivate and develop the kitchen staff while also focusing on the business goals of process improvements, growth, efficiency, profitability and compliance with company procedures
- Make sure the kitchen sparkles and is always ready to pass the white glove test
You own this if you have…
- Been there and done that for 2+ years in full service, upscale restaurant management
- Passion and knowledge about; quality food; and exceptional customer service
- Solid written and verbal communications skills, as well as basic accounting skills
- Thrived in a fast-paced environment and embraced working a flexible schedule
- A food handler’s card where required by local and state regulations
Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
California: $55,500 - $89,000 annually
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
© 2026 Nordstrom, Inc
See All 29 Entry Level Merchandise Planning Manager Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Merchandise Planning Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail11
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Distribution & Wholesale3
- Manufacturing1
- Fashion & Apparel1
Entry Level Merchandise Planning Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level merchandise planning manager job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates with coursework or internship experience in retail buying, inventory management, or supply chain planning. Familiarity with merchandise planning software, Excel-based open-to-buy models, and assortment planning concepts gives candidates a clear edge. Tailoring your resume to highlight any retail analytics projects, buying internships, or relevant coursework signals you can contribute from day one.
Which companies hire entry level merchandise planning managers?
Companies hiring entry level merchandise planning managers right now include Target, Lockheed Martin, and Meijer, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, retailers, department stores, specialty brands, and e-commerce companies tend to post the most openings, particularly those with structured rotational or graduate development programs.
Are there remote entry level merchandise planning manager jobs?
Yes, though most openings at this level skew on-site. About 20% of entry level merchandise planning manager openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting employer preference for in-person training during the early career stage. Candidates open to on-site roles will see the broadest range of opportunities.
Are these new grad merchandise planning manager jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no prior experience. A new grad-friendly posting typically calls for zero to two years of experience and accepts internships, academic projects, or a portfolio of planning work in place of full-time history. Junior and associate-level titles are also common entry points into this career.
Which industries hire the most entry level merchandise planning managers?
Entry Level merchandise planning manager roles concentrate in Retail, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Distribution & Wholesale, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they manage large, frequently refreshed product assortments that require dedicated planning talent even at junior stages of the career.