INVENTORY PLANNING MANAGER

The Inventory Planning Manager will drive business results in multiple divisions of business by ensuring inventory is best positioned to drive sales. This will be accomplished through partnership with Merchandising and Planning partners, analyzing business at the Category and Store level, rolling up insight gained from Inventory Planning team, managing JDA Allocation inputs and developing a strong team of Inventory Planners.This leader will oversee the continuous improvement in the department through forecasts and analyses, while reviewing and managing allocations. This leader will be responsible for season preparation and reviewing forecast and inventory exceptions. This position will develop strategies for significant changes between years and other key metrics that will drive allocation decisions. Responsibilities: Key Accountabilities: Align with cross-functional partners around seasonal strategy (e.g., big ideas, category changes, and flow timing) Ensure, with planning, that programs, science, drivers, and inputs are correct as an input into rationalization of top line buy strategy Lead and perform analysis of allocation impacts to execute fleet review, assess seasonality, and define store groups Perform validation and reconciliation of assortment program to Quantum data Generate first pass of sub-season category forecast to align at top line total Approve Inventory Planner(s) line review and execute post line review tasks such as PLR updates and promotional activities Align with cross-functional partners around final forecast (e.g., visual presentation, Merchandising, Planning, Store Communications) Adjust and reconcile weekly planned inventory position at total division level based on sales, inventory, price action, and trend Review flow forecast with Inventory Planners(s) and initiate division roll up to share with Allocation leadership Cascade cross-functional strategy changes that will impact allocation decisions Align with Inventory Planners(s) on strategy and tactics of weekly allocations in order to provide coaching/guidance Monitor progress against allocation targets and partner with Inventory Planners(s) to mitigate risks Align weekly with Supply Chain and Store Operations partners around inbound/outbound allocations Evaluate inventory position at a Category level to identify recommendations and risks Participate in SFR to highlight inventory concerns, opportunities, and recommendations around strategy changes Align bi-weekly with Planning and Merchandising leadership around top-down inventory and exit strategies Align with Visual around in-season changes impacting inventory quantities, presentation minimums, etc.