Sr Inventory Planner

The Senior Inventory Planner – School Uniforms is a senior individual contributor who partners closely with Sales, Program Management, and cross‑functional teams as a commercial planning partner, translating school program demand, customer insights, and account strategies into executable inventory and supply plans. The role supports both exclusive and non‑exclusive school partnerships and influences service, revenue, margin, and inventory productivity outcomes through data‑driven analysis and inventory investment recommendations.  Other responsibilities include analyzing historical product performance and current business trends to support seasonal merchandise/assortment planning and identifying risk and opportunities by category; conducting in-season performance tracking, reporting, and analysis; and managing processes to meet risk inventory and fulfillment goals. 

Job Functions

• Develop, execute and communicate strategic PC to color plans and forecasts that supports the merchandising, marketing and financial objectives and strategies of a division/category or customer
• Deliver early commits and pre-season projections
• Drive financial results that maximize sales, customer service levels, inventory and bottom line profitability resulting in gross margin return on investment (GMROI) and inventory turn goals. 
• Analyze historical data, productivity, and current trends to identify risks and opportunities.
• Recap and analyze actual key financial metrics as it relates to plan (OTB), and LY. 
• Forecast in-season financial metrics and inventories on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis. 
• Actively evaluate business results, creating action steps and recommendations to ensure delivery of plan and maintain revised forecasts in system tools.
• Collaborate with sales team and merchandising to develop and communicate a comprehensive strategy that aligns future financial and product opportunities.
• Participate in company and brand initiatives as appropriate.
• Communicate financial results, forecasts, and action plans to manager and cross-functional team on a weekly basis.
• Collaborate with peers to ensure consistency of information, share best practices and develop systems knowledge.
• Present strategic inventory plans in key milestone meetings as needed

Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proficiency in using Item Planning, MFP, Business Objects, OBIEE, LE Mainframe, Excel, and other required PC based packages. Comfortable navigating Qlikview applications (Retail-BPT, RPT) Most of these systems go away with SAP.  I wonder if we change to proficiency in excel.  Prior experience with ERP systems such as SAP S/4hana.  Comfortable navigating Power BI.
• Possesses a clear understanding of financial measurements which could include: sales, gross margin, gross margin return on investment, weeks on hand, weeks of supply, etc. and how to positively impact these metrics. 
• Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with peers and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrates strong listening and communication skills; able to present business strategies and action plans. 
• Executive presence to effectively present in key milestone meetings.
• 5+ years experience as a Planner (end to end responsibilities) or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel as needed for business.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance or equivalent experience
• 5+ years in inventory planning (B2B)
• Prior experience with ERP systems such as SAP S/4hana.  
• Experience managing teams and working in a cross-functional environment