Inventory Planner

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize inventory investments to meet customer demand while minimizing carrying costs and maintaining service levels.
• Work closely with the merchandising, replenishment, and supply chain teams to develop inventory strategies, forecasting, and assortment plans that align with the company’s financial objectives.
• Develop and execute purchasing plans that optimize sales, profit, and operating cash flow.
• Lead the short-, medium-, and long-term forecasting of customer demand utilizing sophisticated demand planning tools and statistical models.
• Lead the open-to-buy process by creating practical sales and inventory plans while holding business partners accountable to financial targets.
• Summarize & communicate variances to plan and strategies to improve performance.
• Analyze freight flow and efficient movement of product through the supply chain; provide data-based recommendations on improving efficiency & cost to serve.
• Lead preseason strategy development and vendor planning, recommending inventory flow adjustments and assortment modifications based on individual store performance.
• Identify underperforming product categories using analysis & data-driven insights to recommend actionable improvement plans.
• Create and maintain seasonal/short life cycle SKU groupings, using data and analysis tools to track inventory levels, sell-thru, and profitability.
• Provide markdown analysis and recommendations, holding business partners accountable in achieving a balance between gross profit and inventory investment.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn Oracle Systems.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.