Manager - Planning

About Talbots

Talbots is a leading omni‑channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that is both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. Our culture is built on relationships, and we hire individuals who bring new ideas, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture.

The Manager of Company Planning is responsible for driving enterprise‑level financial and inventory planning strategies that support the company’s sales, margin, and profitability objectives across channels. This role partners closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to develop, manage and continuously refine sales, gross margin, inventory and EBITDA forecasts.

• Lead the development and management of company‑level financial plans, including sales, gross margin, inventory and EBITDA forecasts across channels.
• Maintain and update in‑season weekly and daily forecasts based on business trends, performance drivers and evolving company strategies.
• Drive OTB forecasting and inventory strategies to support financial goals, balancing risk and opportunity.
• Analyze business performance to identify trends, risks and opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Partner with Merch Planning teams to align top‑down financial targets with bottom‑up departmental plans.
• Develop and recommend markdown, liquidation and inventory optimization strategies to maximize profitability and improve inventory productivity.
• Monitor KPIs and proactively identify opportunities to improve sales, margin and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a strategic business partner across Merchandising, Finance, Marketing, Allocation, E‑Commerce, Store Operations and Supply Chain teams.
• Lead and contribute to cross‑functional initiatives involving systems, tools, reporting enhancements and process improvements.
• Partner with Business Process and Technology teams to identify reporting and analytical needs that improve planning effectiveness and business visibility.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise and impactful business presentations to senior leadership.
• Communicate financial risks, opportunities and strategic recommendations with confidence and credibility.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Business, Finance, Merchandising, Economics or a related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years of retail planning, merchandise planning, financial planning or related analytical business experience.
• Experience supporting omni‑channel or multi‑channel retail businesses preferred.
• Strong understanding of retail financial metrics, inventory management, forecasting and planning processes.
• Experience working cross‑functionally in a highly collaborative environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into meaningful business insights.
• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences, including senior leadership.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional partners and drive alignment without direct authority.
• Highly collaborative with strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated sense of ownership, accountability and urgency.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
• Experience with planning and ERP systems such as JDA, Oracle, SAP or similar platforms preferred.
• Experience with reporting and business intelligence tools preferred.
• Demonstrated curiosity and adaptability toward emerging technologies such as AI.

• Merchandise discount at select Knit Well Group brands.
• Support for individual development and opportunities for career mobility within the company.
• Local volunteer opportunities and philanthropic activities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance and a 401(k) plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off and holidays.

Target salary range: $115,000 – $130,000. This position is a hybrid role, working four days per week from the Hingham, MA office. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of this position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact