Job Description

The Planning Manager is responsible for driving total company financial and inventory performance through strategic planning, forecasting, and analytics. This role partners cross-functionally with merchandising, buying, sales, central data, supply chain, and finance teams to optimize sales, margin, and inventory productivity and is meant to function as a “right-hand” for the Vice President, SOP.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and manage seasonal and annual financial plans (sales, margin, inventory, return rate) for full and off-price channels
• Build and maintain weekly and monthly forecasts based on historical data, future trends, strategic initiatives, and EBITDA goals
• Identify risks and opportunities, recommending actions to key stakeholders and following through to implementation and completion
• Create and own seasonal buyplans for Web, AtelierDirect, Boutiques

Inventory & Assortment Strategy

• Optimize inventory levels across channels (boutiques, e-commerce, off-price, wholesale)
• Partner with merchandising and buying on assortment planning and product lifecycle strategies including markdowns of both seasonal and carryover product
• Work with supply chain on timely arrival of product to warehouse, minimizing oversold and out of stock issues
• Monitor sell-through, stock levels, and replenishment needs ensuring excess aligns with off price sales goals and inventory writedown forecast

Performance Analysis

• Analyze weekly/monthly business performance (sales, margin, turns, GMROI)
• Provide insights and actionable recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Track KPIs and develop reporting dashboards
• Point person to incorporate AI and the Sigma implementation into the planning day to day function, training the team, and identifying opportunities to integrate into roles and improve efficiencies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising, Allocation, and Supply Chain teams to align plans
• Support pricing, promotions, and markdown strategies
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting and financial reporting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial Teams, Buying, Supply Chain, and Merchandising to align plans
• Support pricing, promotions, and markdown strategies
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting and financial reporting

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop (1) senior planner and (1) planner
• Provide coaching on analytical tools, reporting, and business strategy
• Ensure consistency in planning processes and best practices

Desired Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in merchandise planning, financial planning, or retail analytics
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, forecasting models); experience with planning systems a plus
• Ability to translate data into clear business recommendations
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Data analysis & storytelling
• Forecasting & demand planning
• Inventory management
• Problem-solving
• Stakeholder management

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sales and margin performance vs. plan
• Inventory productivity (turns, weeks of supply)
• Forecast accuracy
• Markdown optimization
• Cross-functional execution

Based Salary Range:

The base salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000. Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, and location.