Manager, Inventory Strategy & Operations

James Allen•New York, NY

18d•$80,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Manager, Inventory Strategy & Operations is a newly created, highly visible role responsible for driving critical inventory-focused strategic projects across R2Net’s digital brands. This role will lead and organize end-to-end workflows that support inventory health, accuracy, and operational efficiency across Blue Nile and James Allen. The manager will oversee a team and collaborate closely with Merchandising, Operations, Planning, and Finance to ensure inventory decisions are executed with precision and aligned to business strategy. This role requires direct experience in the jewelry industry , including a strong understanding of product lifecycle, manufacturing processes, assortment structures, and the nuances of managing high-value inventory.

Requirements

5+ years experience in inventory management, supply chain, or operations within the jewelry industry (required).
Strong understanding of jewelry product lifecycle, diamond basics, loose stones, made-to-order (MTO) processes, and inventory handling for high-value goods.
Experience managing a team and leading cross-functional projects.
Strong process orientation with proven ability to design workflows, implement structure, and build scalability.
Analytical capability with experience using ERP/inventory systems (SAP experience a plus).
Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with senior leadership.
Operational rigor & systems thinking
Strong leadership & team development
High attention to detail / accuracy
Ability to manage through ambiguity
Cross-functional collaboration
Ownership, accountability, and follow-through
Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Responsibilities

Lead the design, organization, and continuous improvement of inventory workflows across product intake, processing, movement, and reconciliation.
Develop and maintain standardized processes that ensure inventory accuracy, visibility, and operational alignment across departments.
Drive execution of key initiatives such as inventory optimization, stock accuracy, shrink reduction, and product lifecycle management.
Manage, mentor, and develop a team responsible for day-to-day inventory operations and project execution.
Oversee workload management, performance, and cross-functional alignment.
Lead high-priority inventory projects (e.g., workflow redesigns, tech process improvements, audit readiness, inventory control models).
Partner closely with Merchandising, Planning, Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, and Tech to ensure inventory strategies are understood, implemented, and monitored.
Collaborate with FP&A and Planning to quantify financial impacts and support inventory-related forecasting.
Work with Analytics and Tech to build dashboards, reporting, and tools that improve visibility into inventory performance and workflow health.
Monitor KPIs such as on-hand accuracy, stock availability, DOH, aging, shrink, and operational throughput.