Inventory Planner

Designer Brands Inc.•Columbus, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Inventory Planner, you play a key role in ensuring our customers can find what they love—where and when they need it. This role sits at the center of how product moves through our stores and digital fulfillment network, helping to create a seamless experience across every channel. You’ll own inventory planning for an assigned category, using data, trends, and close partnership with cross-functional teams to make smart decisions that drive in-stock performance and support sales. From shaping inventory strategies to adjusting plans in real time, your work will have a direct and visible impact across the business.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in forecasting, analytics, or related fields
2–3 years of experience in planning
Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights
Understanding of inventory planning and optimization in a customer-focused retail environment
Advanced Excel skills required; experience with allocation systems is a plus
Ability to clearly communicate ideas and recommendations to a variety of partners
Experience working cross-functionally and building strong relationships
Comfortable influencing decisions and aligning teams
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams
Ability to work independently and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment
Balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution

Nice To Haves

experience with allocation systems is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop detailed, bottom-up inventory plans across stores and digital fulfillment centers
Align inventory with assortment strategies, financial goals, and customer demand patterns
Consider operational factors such as capacity and fulfillment constraints
Reforecast inventory needs by location using real-time sales data and inventory availability
Adjust plans to respond to changing demand and maximize in-stock performance
Analyze performance to identify risks and opportunities
Turn data into insights that inform inventory decisions and improve results
Make recommendations to support sales growth and inventory efficiency
Build and maintain reporting to track inventory performance and support decision-making
Use data to provide visibility into trends and opportunities across the business
Partner closely with merchandising, planning, allocation, stores, and supply chain teams
Gather insights from field leaders to understand local demand drivers
Share insights and recommendations to influence inventory decisions
Support allocation strategies to meet inventory inventory targets
Identify gaps or opportunities early and collaborate on solutions