Inventory Planner

About the Inventory Management Team

The Inventory Planning organization is responsible for the strategic planning of inventory positions to drive sales, manage inventory turn and meet or exceed financial targets for your area of responsibility. Inventory associates are innovators, optimizers and problem solvers who are constantly seeking opportunities to move the business forward. You will collaborate with other business functions to support a product strategy intended to meet our customers’ needs.

Overview of the Inventory Planner role 

You are responsible for delivering a best-in-class customer experience through the strategic management of inventory for a specific product category. You will partner with the Merchandising, Sourcing, E-commerce teams and Distribution to maximize sales and in-stocks, optimize inventory turn, and drive profitable growth. 

Responsibilities

• Partner with Merchants to create pre-season, item-level sales plans that align with product rankings, merchandising strategies and tops-down financial goals.
• Design inventory strategies that balance the composition of new and core, carry-over merchandise, support in-stock and turn objectives, and fit within the bounds of departmental receipt budget.
• Determine item level order quantities and flow strategies and partner with Supply Chain Coordinator/Assistant Planner to ensure timely and accurate execution of purchase orders. 
• Own monthly forecasting of department level open-to-buy and recommend near term actions to achieve sales goals and budgeted inventory EOMs.
• Determine markdown and end-of-life disposition strategies for non-go forward products.
• Operate a computer and communicate via telephone 

Criteria

• Previous experience in retail merchandising or degree in merchandising preferred
• Minimum two years of experience in Inventory Management in retail 
• Proven ability to objectively interpret data and extract actionable insights that drive the business
• Proficiency in retail math and experience managing a traditional open-to-buy
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; comfortable addressing all levels within an organization 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Proficiency in MS Excel
• Ability to work onsite in the San Francisco office Monday - Thursday and work remotely on Fridays.

We Believe in People First

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Our DEI initiatives prompt associate participation and engagement, aligning with our core vision to reflect the communities where we do business and put people first. 

Benefits Just for You

Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:  

• A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands 
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities 
• Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer 
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits 
• Tax-free commuter benefits
• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health 

Your Journey in Continued Learning

• In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University  
• Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities 
• Resources for self-development
• Advisor (Mentor) program
• Career development workshops and learning programs
• Speaker series

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

The expected starting pay rate for this position is $87,000 - $91,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.