We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply.

About the Inventory Planning Team

You will be part of the Inventory Planning team. We work very collaboratively with business partners such as sourcing, product development, buyers, and supply chain to ensure that we have the right product in the right place at the right time. This team is responsible for everything from planning the correct products, placing purchase orders, managing the product flow and order fulfillment and working with our partners to make sure we achieve sales and revenue goals.

Overview of the Senior Inventory Planner role

As the Sr. Inventory Planner, you will be responsible for setting, directing and executing the inventory planning and management strategy for multiple product categories. You and your team of 2-3 Inventory Analysts and Planners will execute all analysis, planning and purchasing in accordance with brand financial plans, working to maximize fulfillment, minimize overstocks and backorders, and achieve optimum inventory levels for all selling channels. You will create forecasts in sales, units and margin, develop strategies to drive category results and ensure that our inventory levels support future demand and meet defined inventory turn targets. You will work in partnership with Merchandising, Sourcing, Finance, and Retail Distribution to accomplish the business results in your areas of your direct oversight.

This is a hybrid role - 4 days/week onsite in our Portland office required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee strategies, analysis, processes & tools (including reporting) and team to effectively manage inventory and drive business results.
• Direct and develop the product planning for your categories, including top-down and bottom up planning for sales, margin, unit, inventory turn and productivity, in collaboration with Merchandising.
• Manage the open-to-buy forecasting for assigned categories and determine inventory buys in support of your demand and turn goals as well as driving accuracy and achievement of forecast metrics (sales, margin, fill-rate, and inventory plan)
• Communicate and drive alignment with senior management on analysis, inventory position, actual vs forecast, and recommendations of category direction and actions.
• Supervise and prioritize team activities in support of achieving our business results.
• Lead, develop, and mentor your direct reports (up to four).
• Identify team constraints and opportunities to drive effectiveness and be an advocate on their behalf.
• Develop a smooth process flow of activities for the planning department and establish systems to support those processes. Lead the process for identifying, developing and implementing advanced planning methods to improve results.
• Operate a computer and communicate via telephone and video messaging platforms
• Develop and lead a collaborative forecasting process between Merchandising, Retail Distribution, Sourcing, and your direct team.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to support decision making, influence future purchases, and product strategies.
• Provide items forecasts to buying team to ensure raw materials/finished goods flow seamlessly through the supply chain to meet demand and minimize out of stocks.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Criteria

• Minimum of 3-5 years in forecasting and inventory management within a retail or wholesale environment. Exposure to manufacturing, logistics and distribution / fulfillment centers is a plus.
• Have a high level of retail math acumen, including elements of markup, margin planning, open to buy, and inventory productivity measures.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of people management experience, preferably multiple direct reports and levels.
• Have proven analytical and communication abilities and you thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Have a positive attitude and look for opportunities to improve within your sphere of influence.
• Improved upon or developed next level processes, procedures and tools - you are optimization minded and have a background of problem solving and working with others to implement solutions.
• Can make timely decisions, anticipate problems and are able to provide creative solutions.
• Good technical skills and at least intermediate level knowledge of the MS Office Suite. Strong MS Excel skills required.
• Interact well with all levels of an organization from front line associates to the executive level.
• Well-organized and detail oriented.
• Can effectively deal with ambiguity and a changing environment.
• Ability to perform work onsite in the Portland office full-time pending state, local, and Company return-to-work guidance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Mission Around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. We will create and nurture a global company culture where we confidently bring our authentic selves to work every day: where the only criteria for advancement are the quality of our work, the contributions we make to our teams and the business, and our ability to lead; and where our individual differences-whatever they may be-are valued, explored and appreciated.

Benefits Just for You

Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:

• A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 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

Your Journey in Continued Learning

• Online learning opportunities through WSI University
• Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
• Resources for self-development
• Advisor (Mentor) program
• Career development workshops and learning programs
• Speaker series

WSI will not commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position at this time (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.