Planning Manager

Waterworks•Danbury, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Planning Manager shapes inventory strategy and business performance across Waterworks’ portfolio of luxury kitchen, bath, tile, and home design products. The role oversees merchandise planning, inventory optimization, purchasing, and supplier management, ensuring product availability while balancing customer demand, inventory investment, and profitability. The Planning Manager works cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, Operations, Finance, Sales, and Customer Experience teams to support business initiatives and strategic growth. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite presence at least three days per week; additional onsite days may be required based on business needs. Travel of up to 20% is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in inventory planning, merchandise planning, supply chain, purchasing, or a related discipline.
Strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience with ERP, inventory management, or planning systems.
Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and cross-functional business initiatives.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Customer-focused mindset and commitment to exceptional service and business results.
Ability to travel up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

Experience sourcing or managing suppliers across domestic and international markets.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute merchandise and inventory plans that support sales, margin, inventory turn, and service-level objectives.
Analyze demand trends, inventory performance, and business metrics to inform planning decisions.
Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment across stocked, special-order, and direct-ship product categories.
Monitor product costs and pricing trends and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
Build and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliers to support performance, quality, and delivery reliability.
Track supplier performance using key metrics, scorecards, and regular business reviews.
Partner with Product Development and Merchandising on new product launches, product transitions, and assortment optimization.
Collaborate with Finance and Operations on forecasting, inventory investment strategies, and cost-saving opportunities.
Support large-scale residential and commercial design projects by ensuring product availability and timely fulfillment.
Work with Sales and Customer Experience teams to address inventory issues, improve order fulfillment timelines, and resolve customer escalations.
Lead SKU rationalization, inventory reduction, and liquidation initiatives to improve inventory productivity.
Identify and implement process improvements that enhance planning accuracy, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction.
Perform other duties as assigned.