Job DescriptionAbout the Role As an Inventory Planner, you will manage a department through the entire product life cycle-from pre-season planning and investment reviews to monthly open-to-buy forecasting and inventory management. You will use forecasting tools to optimize inventory flow, drive margin, and support top-line sales, while partnering cross-functionally with Merchants, Allocation, Ecommerce, and Distribution to identify opportunities and maintain inventory targets. This role is within a high-visibility category and offers strong exposure to leadership.
This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday. Responsibilities - Plan and manage a department through the entire product life cycle:
- Present plans at investment review
- Manage monthly open to buy forecasts to drive sales and margin
- Manage inventory levels and turn targets
- Forecast and review buys and replenishment by sku to maintain optimum inventory flow
- Utilize the new planning software to forecast sales and manage replenishment
- Partner with the Inventory Distribution team to develop allocation strategies and with E-commerce team on site merchandising opportunities
- Identify potential inventory liabilities and take action to maintain inventory targets
- Build a team relationship with Merchant counterparts and partner to develop financial merchandise plans by department
- Identify opportunities to drive the top line
- The ability to analyze the business day to day through reading and reacting to trends, and communicate actions to take
- Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence purchases and assortment strategies
- Be an integral partner with Visual, Store Operations, Sourcing, and the Distributions Centers
- Act like an owner, being the expert on everything relating to the sales, inventory and margin of your department
Criteria - Minimum 2 years planning and distribution experience
- Computer skills -- Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, MS Access.
- Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced entrepreneurial environment
- Ability to prioritize and schedule work in a deadline driven environment.
- Superior written, communication, presentation, and listening skills
Competencies - DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Hit sales/inventory targets.
- CREATE SOLUTIONS: Use data to optimize inventory.
- OWN IT: Take ownership of categories managed.
People First Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:
Benefits - A generous discount on all WSI brands
- A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
- Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
- Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health
Continued Learning - In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
- Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
- Resources for self-development
- Advisor (Mentor) program
- Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series
