The Director of Central Planning & Pricing leads and drives improvements in our demand forecasting, inventory management, and pricing strategies. This critical role will combine key inventory KPIs with the demand forecast process and create stronger connectivity between Finance, Marketing, and Inventory. The Director will oversee pricing strategies, liquidations, and demand planning efforts, ensuring all departments are aligned and working toward a single, cohesive plan. This position will develop trends, establish monthly forecasts, and provide visibility into inventory flow, pricing decisions, and promotional calendars to guide executive reporting.

Demand Planning & Forecasting:
Lead the integration of inventory KPIs into the current demand forecast process. Drive the forecasting process by working closely with Finance, Marketing, and Inventory to ensure alignment with marketing efforts, promotions, product launches, and inventory availability. Establish clear, accurate demand forecasts that reflect the business reality.

Pricing Strategy & Liquidations:
Oversee pricing and liquidation efforts, ensuring strategies align with demand forecasts and overall business goals. Collaborate with internal teams to optimize pricing strategies and markdowns while minimizing risks.

Inventory Planning:
Develop strategies for managing inventory flow, particularly in relation to book drops and promotional cycles. Create clear, actionable plans for inventory allocation and ensure that inventory levels align with expected demand.

Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams:
Work closely with Finance, Marketing, and Demand Planning teams to establish a unified "version of the truth" for demand forecasting, pricing, and inventory planning. Develop and manage the integration of the promotion calendar, marketing campaigns, and inventory levels into the demand forecasting process.

Trends & Business Insights:
Lead the analysis and identification of trends within the business, forecasting expected volume for each month. Provide insights into future inventory needs based on these trends, supporting effective decision-making across the organization.

Executive Reporting & Hindsight Analysis:
Develop and present high-level monthly reports on demand, inventory, and pricing to executives. Ensure reporting accuracy, clarity, and visibility. Conduct hindsight reporting to evaluate past forecast performance and implement improvements for future planning.

Continuous Improvement:
Implement best practices for demand forecasting, pricing strategy, and inventory management. Identify opportunities for process improvements, technology enhancements, and collaboration between teams.

Skills

• Strong understanding of inventory KPIs, demand forecasting, and pricing strategies.
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, and Planning teams to drive alignment and develop unified business strategies.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior leadership.
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and mentor teams to drive successful business outcomes.
• Accountable for business outcomes and financial performance.
• Builds and sustains a strong organizational culture.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of employees.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Set performance expectations and goals for team members.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Identify and address performance issues through coaching and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Participate and recruitment and onboarding of new team members, as needed.
• Identify training needs within the team and coordinate relevant development programs, encourage continuous learning and skill development among team members.
• Serve as liaison between upper management and team, conveying organizational goals and expectations.
• Address conflicts or issues within the team promptly and effectively.
• Manage team resources, including workload distribution and project assignments.
• Ensure optimal utilization of team member's skills and expertise.
• Collaborate with upper management to establish team goals aligned with organizational objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of department strategies.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, pricing strategy, or related functions, with at least 3 years in a leadership or director-level role.