Summary of Role/PositionThe Planning Manager reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Inventory Forecasting & Planning and is responsible for leading the development and execution of short and long-range demand forecasts across assigned categories. This role owns the accuracy metrics that enable the company to achieve its goals and drives strategy across both the demand forecast and inventory supply plan. The Planning Manager leads cross-functional collaboration and is a key voice in supply chain strategy and process improvement.
Core Responsibilities- Lead the development of demand forecasts using business intelligence, statistical modeling, historical sales trends, pricing, seasonality, and qualitative inputs.
- Own the inventory supply plan for assigned categories, ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained across distribution centers to support demand without creating overstock risk.
- Drive cross-functional alignment with Category Managers, the International Supply Chain Team, and other operations stakeholders to understand and communicate forecast drivers.
- Develop and execute inventory strategies for new products, promotions, existing items, and product phase-outs; lead the response to sudden changes in demand.
- Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (forecast accuracy, forecast error, lead time adherence, order modification rate); lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Identify and lead process improvement initiatives across the planning function, partnering with leadership to develop scalable solutions.
- Maintain deep category expertise including seasonality, pricing dynamics, trend patterns, sales drivers, and product lifecycle plans.
- Manage vendor and distributor relationships in partnership with the International Supply Chain Team to resolve issues and improve performance.
- Provide executive-level ad-hoc reporting and analysis as needed.
- Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned by the AVP.
Preferred Skills and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Statistics, Business, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
- 5+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Analytics, or Supply Chain.
- 3+ years of experience with Python in a planning or forecasting environment.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and deliver across multiple workstreams and deadlines.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Hard Skills- Advanced applied math and statistical modeling
- Deep knowledge of supply chain theory and inventory metrics
- Python proficiency in a planning/forecasting context
- Experience with demand planning systems and BI tools
Soft Skills- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable business insights
- Executive-level communication and presentation skills
- Strong cross-functional leadership and influence
- Accountability and ownership mindset
- High attention to detail with strategic perspective
A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position: $120,000-$145,000, based on job experience, education level, and geographic region.
The above-noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the incumbent a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.
