Manager, Planning

Client Careers Site•Brooklyn, NY

4d•$95,000 - $110,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
Partner with Commercial Teams, Buying, Supply Chain, and Merchandising to align plans
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