Inventory Planner, Prep

Inventory Planner

The Inventory Management team is responsible for maintaining inventory levels across the fleet and in the distribution center. They handle all sales and margin forecasting and use that information to project future inventory needs. Based on these forecasts, the team places new orders and reorders to ensure the right products are available for the customer.

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:
• Create pre-season plans
• 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
• Key in this role:
• 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.

Our Culture & Values We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success, and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. 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

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and Green…