Job Description

About the Team

The Inventory Planning & Management team is responsible for building and managing merchandise financial plans that optimize for sales growth, margin and turn. We are a trusted partner to the merchandising organization, providing insight into sales trends, inventory productivity and exit strategies. We are “numbers” people with a passion for analyzing and synthesizing data into forecast models, constantly updating plans in reaction to sales trends.

About the Role

The Director, Inventory Management is responsible for developing and executing brand financial and merchandising plans for the Bath and Furniture categories. They will execute inventory strategies to maximize sales, profits and to protect the brand, travel to stores and DC to identify opportunities; improve processes and resolve issues, manage the career development of their team.

You’re excited about this opportunity because you will...

• Lead the development of annual financial plans, monthly forecasts, and open-to-buy (OTB) strategies, presenting recommendations to executive leadership.

• Own sales, inventory, margin, and expense forecasting, proactively identifying risks and opportunities to achieve financial and inventory objectives.

• Monitor business performance through daily, weekly, and monthly analysis, implementing actions to maximize inventory productivity, profitability, and in-stock performance.

• Communicate inventory position, financial forecasts, business risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership through regular business reviews and executive presentations.

• Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, Distribution Centers, Manufacturing, and Channel leaders to optimize inventory flow, support floor sets and web launches, and maximize business performance.

• Collaborate with Merchandising and Visual teams to ensure inventory strategies align with floor sets, assortments, and successful product launches.

• Develop monthly sales forecasts and financial reporting to support Finance and executive planning processes.

• Identify emerging trends, business opportunities, and operational risks, recommending strategies to drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity.

• Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing planning team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

• Communicate department strategy and financial objectives across the organization, ensuring alignment with broader business goals.

Why you will love working at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

• We’re a successful, fast-growing company with an entrepreneurial vibe

• A technologically and data-driven business

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits

• We’re at the forefront of tech and retail, redefining technology for the next generation

• We’re passionate about our internal and external clients and live/breathe the client experience

• We get to be creative daily

• A smart, experienced leadership team that wants to do it right and is open to new ideas

• We believe in autonomy and reward taking initiative

• We have fun!

We’re excited about you because...

• 10+ years retail experience

• 5+ years people management experience

• 5+ years DTC inventory planning experience

• Global Business Acumen – Understand the complexity of business on a global scale. Embrace cultural and individual differences with empathy. Work with the nuances of specific local cultures to make informed decisions
• Strategic and Analytical Capability -- Ability to think globally, strategically, and objectively. Effectively translates data into actionable insights, strategies and financial plans
• Leading Teams -- Attracts, develops and motives the talent needed for current and future business requirements. Articulates an inspiring vision for the future, establishes high performance expectations and sets example through own behavior. Ensures alignment of individual goals with overall business objectives. Coaches team members to success and holds individuals accountable for achieving results
• Drive for Results -- Credibility earned through delivering results. Balances urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, taking initiative to resolve problems and work quality Demonstrates high initiative and provides leadership in a project-oriented environment
• Effective Communication -- Communicates clearly and effectively with associates at all levels, board members, external partners and customers. Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and to tailor key messages and presentation style to multiple audiences
• Influence and Collaboration -- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company. Able to work through complex disagreements and conflict to achieve resolution. Builds trust by including others and by keeping the cross-functional teams focused on the success of the entire company

Technical Competencies required:

• At Williams-Sonoma Inc. you will need to work with multiple enterprise systems concurrently, so proficiency with ERP systems is required.
• Deep understanding of Excel is a must – we are constantly working in Excel and building new tools and models to analyze the business.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC

• Ability to converse over a telephone

• Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis

• Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment

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

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

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinance.

Our Company

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 GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.