Opportunity Overview
Handshake is looking for experienced merchandise planning professionals to support AI research through flexible, part-time contract work. This is not a traditional job — you'll draw on your hands-on expertise in inventory planning, markdown optimization, and promotional strategy to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI better understand real-world retail merchandising workflows.
This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside your current work.
What You'll Do
- Use your domain expertise to create expert-level training questions and scenarios based on real retail merchandising workflows
- Review and evaluate AI-generated responses for accuracy and relevance to real-world planning and merchandising practices
- Provide structured written feedback to help improve AI model performance
- Complete tasks at your own pace with no set schedule or minimum hour requirement
Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience in retail merchandising or merchandise planning, in a role such as Merchandise Planner or Senior Merchandise Planner
- Hands-on experience with workflows such as demand forecasting, in-season reforecast, markdown optimization, and promotional campaign planning
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently in a remote, asynchronous environment
Application Process
- Create a Handshake account
- Upload your resume and verify your identity
- Get matched and onboarded into relevant projects
- Start working and earning
Work Model and Project Details
- Status: Independent contractor (not a full-time employee role)
- Location: Fully remote; work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop or laptop computer
- Schedule: Flexible and asynchronous, with no minimum hour requirement. Many contributors work approximately 5–20 hours per week when assigned to an active project
- Duration: The Handshake AI program runs year-round, with projects opening periodically across different areas of expertise. Placement depends on current project needs, with opportunities to be considered for future projects as they become available
Work Authorization
Must be currently residing in the United States.
F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility. If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school's requirements. STEM OPT is not supported. See our Help Center article for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: Up to $80.00 per hour
Work Location: Remote
