Senior Manager, Retail Planning & Business Operations

Brooks Running • Seattle, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Manager, Retail Planning & Business Operations at Brooks, you will be the retail systems architect – ensuring stores have the right product, tools, and processes to deliver exceptional customer experiences. This role oversees critical functions including sales analysis, reporting, product assortment, buying, IT systems, and program management, ensuring alignment with Brooks’ strategic objectives. You will lead a team and serve as the operational infrastructure for retail growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred
• 10+ years of experience in retail operations, buying, or business management
• 5+ years of management and/or leadership experience preferred
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, BI tools, and retail planning systems
• Experience with POS systems, omnichannel integrations, and retail technology management
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with proven ability to manage complex projects that span multiple teams
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and identify solutions to problems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust
• Excellent leadership skills, both within direct team and cross-functionally among partners and peers
• Overall competency in retail systems and technology management, sales analysis and reporting, assortment planning and buying, program management and cross-functional leadership, financial acumen and strategic thinking, team leadership and development
• Able to travel to stores and events nationwide (estimated 10%)
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values!

Nice To Haves

• Passion for performance running and familiarity with premium footwear and apparel is preferred

Responsibilities

• Own sales analysis and reporting for all retail locations, delivering actionable insights to leadership.
• Prepare and present Monthly Business Reviews (MBR), highlighting performance trends and opportunities.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs (key performance indicators) to monitor store performance, customer experience, and profitability to ensure stores are on track to meet their goals.
• Review findings with retail leaders and store managers to celebrate the wins, understand where improvements can be made, and discuss solutions, developing a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide data and analysis to inform demand forecasting, planning, and performance measurements.
• Lead assortment planning, seasonal, lifestyle, and MRA buy planning for a network of retail stores.
• Manage hard and bulk order creation and submission in alignment with inventory and sales forecasts.
• Collaborate with Merchandising and Finance to develop a comprehensive strategy that optimizes product mix and margin performance.
• Lead sales and product forecasting processes to support inventory and financial planning.
• Align forecasts with promotional calendars and seasonal trends to anticipate opportunities for the business and maximize sell-through.
• Serve as owner and liaison for the retail tech roadmap and in-store technology, including POS software and omnichannel integrations.
• Partner with IT and external agencies to ensure seamless system functionality and upgrades.
• Drive adoption of retail technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Oversee retail programs and initiatives, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals.
• Manage cross-functional projects involving Marketing, Merchandising, and Supply Chain teams.
• Lead new store openings requiring cross-functional partnership and support across multiple departments: IT, Marketing, HR, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Product, Facilities, etc.
• Develop a new store opening process and project plan that is easily repeatable for future retail expansion plans.
• Facilitate community outreach programming across retail portfolio, collaborating with the Event Marketing and Community Impact teams to help drive traffic into stores to achieve budgeted sales.
• Manage and develop a team including a Program Manager, Buyer, and Analyst, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

• Including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
• Brooks offers generous time off, including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.
• In addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
• Including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees