Assistant Planner Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Assistant Planner roles in the U.S. qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field. Employers typically file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before sponsoring, and most positions are found in local government agencies, transit authorities, and planning consultancies.
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Get Access To All JobsBe Part of an Amazing Story
Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
The Assistant Planner, Macy’s Backstage owns the day-to-day execution of allocation and supports the planning team in managing location inventory levels and driving allocation to achieve sales, turn, and margin results. This role involves detailed analysis of sales trends, inventory levels, and market conditions to assist in developing effective merchandise strategies. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a passion for retail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
What You Will Do
- Assist in developing and executing inventory and assortment plans that support sales and margin objectives by location.
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely allocation of receipts to meet customer demand.
- Conduct detailed analysis of sales data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Prepare regular reports on sales performance, inventory levels, and key metrics.
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve product assortment and maximize sales.
- Support the Merchandise Planner in creating accurate pre-season plans and in-season sales and inventory forecasts.
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional team members at various levels.
- Maintain and update planning tools and systems to ensure data accuracy.
- Utilize planning software to analyze data and generate reports.
- Develop a solid understanding of the open-to-buy process and present results, strategies, and forecasts to the broader team as necessary.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
Skills You Will Need
Analytical Skills: Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems.
Organization and Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to develop and maintain efficient systems of organization.
Project Management: Proficient in project and process management, capable of effectively managing workload, priorities, and timelines.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to think analytically and pragmatically and effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and executives.
Initiative and Problem-Solving: Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative.
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration and teamwork. A true team player.
Innovative Thinking: Willingness to innovate and continuously seek out new data sources to enhance insights.
Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with senior and mid-level management across various teams.
Who You Are
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. Minimum 1 year of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, merchandising, financial planning, strategy, or business analytics.
This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.
About us
This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - apply today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
MERCH00
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. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.
Be Part of an Amazing Story
Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
The Assistant Planner, Macy’s Backstage owns the day-to-day execution of allocation and supports the planning team in managing location inventory levels and driving allocation to achieve sales, turn, and margin results. This role involves detailed analysis of sales trends, inventory levels, and market conditions to assist in developing effective merchandise strategies. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a passion for retail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
What You Will Do
- Assist in developing and executing inventory and assortment plans that support sales and margin objectives by location.
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely allocation of receipts to meet customer demand.
- Conduct detailed analysis of sales data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Prepare regular reports on sales performance, inventory levels, and key metrics.
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve product assortment and maximize sales.
- Support the Merchandise Planner in creating accurate pre-season plans and in-season sales and inventory forecasts.
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional team members at various levels.
- Maintain and update planning tools and systems to ensure data accuracy.
- Utilize planning software to analyze data and generate reports.
- Develop a solid understanding of the open-to-buy process and present results, strategies, and forecasts to the broader team as necessary.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
Skills You Will Need
Analytical Skills: Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems.
Organization and Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to develop and maintain efficient systems of organization.
Project Management: Proficient in project and process management, capable of effectively managing workload, priorities, and timelines.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to think analytically and pragmatically and effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and executives.
Initiative and Problem-Solving: Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative.
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration and teamwork. A true team player.
Innovative Thinking: Willingness to innovate and continuously seek out new data sources to enhance insights.
Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with senior and mid-level management across various teams.
Who You Are
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. Minimum 1 year of experience in merchandise planning, allocation, merchandising, financial planning, strategy, or business analytics.
This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.
About us
This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - apply today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
MERCH00
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. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Assistant Planner
Align your degree to specialty occupation standards
Planning roles require a directly related degree, so a general business or geography degree may trigger an RFE. Check the O*NET occupation profile for Assistant Planner to confirm which degree fields USCIS considers directly related before you apply.
Target public-sector employers with PERM history
Municipal planning departments and transit agencies have sponsored planners for green cards via PERM. Government employers often have established immigration workflows, making them more likely to repeat sponsorship than private firms new to the process.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your location and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for the Assistant Planner occupation code in your city before you negotiate, so you know the floor the LCA must meet.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Many planning firms sponsor visas but don't advertise it in job postings. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for planning roles, so you can focus your applications on offices that have actually filed before.
Get your AICP coursework documented before interviews
Some employers ask about progress toward AICP eligibility as a proxy for professional seriousness. Having a transcript or continuing-education log ready shows you're on the credential path, which can strengthen a sponsoring employer's specialty occupation argument to USCIS.
Clarify H-1B filing timing with your offer letter
If you're on OPT and the H-1B cap applies, your employer must file before your OPT expires or you'll need a cap-gap bridge. Confirm in writing that your employer will file by the April deadline, not after an extended onboarding period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Assistant Planner role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, Assistant Planner roles generally qualify because the position typically requires a bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, transportation planning, or a closely related discipline. USCIS evaluates whether the specific job duties, not just the title, require that degree. Employers strengthen the petition by documenting that a planning degree is an industry-standard requirement for the role.
Will a general geography or environmental studies degree support an H-1B petition for a planning role?
It depends on how closely the degree aligns with the job duties. A geography degree with coursework in GIS, land use, or spatial analysis can work if the employer frames the connection clearly in the petition. A general environmental studies degree with no planning coursework is a riskier fit and more likely to draw a Request for Evidence from USCIS asking for evidence of the degree-to-job relationship.
How do I find Assistant Planner employers who actually sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate shows employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for planning roles, so you can search specifically for offices that have sponsored before rather than guessing from job postings. Many planning departments sponsor regularly but don't mention it in listings.
Can government planning agencies sponsor H-1B visas for Assistant Planners?
Yes, and they have an advantage: government employers, including municipal planning departments and regional transit authorities, are cap-exempt for H-1B purposes if they qualify under the nonprofit or government institution exemption. That means they can file at any time of year without competing in the annual lottery, which significantly reduces timing risk for the hire.
What green card pathway is realistic for an Assistant Planner after a few years on H-1B?
Most Assistant Planners pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 green card through PERM labor certification, where the employer advertises the role and demonstrates no qualified U.S. workers are available. EB-2 requires an advanced degree or equivalent, while EB-3 requires at least two years of experience. Applicants born in India or China face long priority date backlogs regardless of category, so starting the PERM process early matters.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Assistant Planner jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.