We are seeking a strategic and data-driven
Senior Manager, Planning Transformation & Inventory Strategy to lead forecasting, inventory planning, and business analytics initiatives. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of operations, finance, and merchandising - acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and orchestrating the evolution of our planning capabilities in an increasingly digital landscape.
In this role, you will oversee executive-level planning deliverables, lead a high-performing analytics team, champion digital transformation initiatives, and drive the integration of AI/ML capabilities into our planning processes.
Responsibilities:Strategic Planning & Forecasting - Lead Demand and Inventory Fulfilment Planning within the S&OP process across departments, integrating data driven drivers and business insights into cohesive business strategies
- Develop rolling forecasts (weekly, monthly, quarterly) using advanced statistical methods and AI/ML models to achieve >85% forecast accuracy
- Design scenario planning frameworks for supply chain disruptions, incorporating risk assessments and mitigation strategies
- Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, finance, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to align business plans with revenue targets and margin goals
- Lead inventory optimization strategies balancing service levels with working capital efficiency across our global distribution network
- Manage seasonal collection planning and limited edition releases unique to luxury markets
Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence - Translate complex data into executive-ready insights, delivering strategic recommendations to C-suite leadership
- Build and maintain real-time dashboards tracking KPIs across sales performance, inventory health, forecast accuracy, and operational metrics
- Implement predictive analytics for demand sensing, customer behavior modeling, and trend identification
- Lead competitive intelligence analysis and market trend monitoring to inform strategic planning
- Develop pricing and promotional effectiveness models in collaboration with commercial teams
- Champion data governance standards and ensure data quality across planning systems
Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership - Drive AI/ML integration into planning processes, serving as orchestrator of human-AI collaborative workflows
- Lead technology selection and implementation projects for planning systems (SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder)
- Partner with IT and Engineering teams to automate reporting and scale data infrastructure (Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI)
- Champion transition from manual Excel-based processes to integrated, cloud-based planning platforms
- Develop and monitor AI model performance, ensuring continuous improvement and value realization
- Build organizational capabilities in digital tools and advanced analytics methodologies
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management - Serve as primary planning liaison to executive leadership, presenting monthly business reviews and strategic recommendations
- Consolidate inputs from planning, merchandising, finance, and operations into unified strategic narratives
- Facilitate weekly S&OP meetings and monthly integrated business planning sessions
- Manage relationships with key technology vendors and external partners
- Drive change management initiatives supporting digital transformation and process optimization
Team Development & Organizational Capability Building - Lead and develop a team of 2-3 professionals including demand planners, supply planners, business analysts, and data scientists
- Set clear OKRs, drive execution of high-impact projects, and foster culture of continuous learning
- Develop team capabilities in AI/ML tools, statistical modeling, and advanced planning methodologies
- Support career development through mentoring, cross-training, and stretch assignments
- Build succession planning pipeline for critical planning roles
Risk Management & Business Continuity- Develop multi-scenario contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
- Lead crisis response planning and execution during disruptions
- Implement early warning systems for demand volatility and supply constraints
Innovation & Continuous Improvement- Identify opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy through emerging technologies
- Lead lean/six sigma initiatives improving planning cycle time by 20-30%
- Deploy strategic evolution of KPIs and performance management frameworks
- Champion best practice sharing across regional teams and business units
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, or Analytics
- 5+ years experience in operations planning, supply chain analytics, demand planning, or related functions
- 3 years in leadership roles with direct report management experience
- Proven experience in luxury goods, premium consumer brands, or high-end retail preferred
- Demonstrated success in S&OP process leadership and cross-functional program management
- Track record of digital transformation initiatives and technology implementations
- MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) strongly preferred
- Additional certifications in data science, project management (PMP), or Lean Six Sigma valued
Technical Competencies- Advanced Excel modeling including VBA, complex formulas, and large dataset manipulation
- Statistical software proficiency: R, Python, or SAS for predictive modeling preferred
- BI/Visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar platforms
- Planning systems: Experience with SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder, or similar
- Database skills: experience with SQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar preferred
- AI/ML understanding: Familiarity with machine learning concepts and applications in planning
- ERP systems: SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise systems
Core Competencies- Strategic thinking with ability to connect operational metrics to business outcomes
- Executive communication skills with experience presenting to C-suite stakeholders
- Change leadership driving transformation in complex, matrixed organizations
- Analytical problem-solving using data-driven approaches to complex challenges
- Cross-cultural competency for global team collaboration
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to navigate shifting priorities
- Customer-centric mindset understanding luxury consumer expectations
BenefitsAt Blue Nile, many of our roles offer a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, retirement planning and opportunities for career advancement. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, employment type, work schedule or location:
- Hybrid Work Environment
- Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Discount
- Parental Leave
- Life Insurance
Annual base pay: $145,000 - $160,000. Final pay rate shall be determined and is based on experience and qualifications.
