Associate Inventory Planner Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

About the Inventory Planning Team

You will be part of the Inventory Planning team. We work very collaboratively with business partners such as sourcing, product development, buyers, and supply chain to ensure that we have the right product in the right place at the right time. This team is responsible for everything from planning the correct products, placing purchase orders, managing the product flow and order fulfillment and working with our partners to make sure we achieve sales and revenue goals.

Overview of the Senior Inventory Planner role 

As the Sr. Inventory Planner, you will be responsible for setting, directing and executing the inventory planning and management strategy for multiple product categories.  You and your team of Inventory Analysts and Planners will execute all analysis, planning and purchasing in accordance with brand financial plans, working to maximize fulfillment, minimize overstocks and backorders, and achieve optimum inventory levels for all selling channels.  You will create forecasts in sales, units and margin, develop strategies to drive category results and ensure that our inventory levels support future demand and meet defined inventory turn targets.  You will work in partnership with Merchandising, Sourcing, Finance, and Retail Distribution to accomplish the business results in your areas of your direct oversight.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee strategies, analysis, processes & tools (including reporting) and team to effectively manage inventory and drive business results. 
• Direct and develop the product planning for your categories, including top-down and bottom up planning for sales, margin, unit, inventory turn and productivity, in collaboration with Merchandising. 
• Manage the open-to-buy forecasting for assigned categories and determine inventory buys in support of your demand and turn goals as well as driving accuracy and achievement of forecast metrics (sales, margin, fill-rate, and inventory plan)
• Communicate and drive alignment with senior management on analysis, inventory position, actual vs forecast, and recommendations of category direction and actions. 
• Develop and lead a collaborative forecasting process between Merchandising, Retail Distribution, Sourcing, and your direct team.
• Supervise and prioritize team activities in support of achieving our business results.
• Lead, develop, and mentor your direct reports.
• Identify team constraints and opportunities to drive effectiveness and be an advocate on their behalf.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to support decision making, influence future purchases, and product strategies.
• Develop a smooth process flow of activities for the planning department and establish systems to support those processes.  Lead the process for identifying, developing and implementing advanced planning methods to improve results.
• Provide items forecasts to buying team to ensure raw materials/finished goods flow seamlessly through the supply chain to meet demand and minimize out of stocks.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

• Operate a computer and communicate via telephone and video messaging platforms

Criteria

• Minimum of 3-5 years in forecasting and inventory management within a retail or wholesale environment.  Exposure to manufacturing, logistics and distribution / fulfillment centers is a plus.
• Have a high level of retail math acumen, including elements of markup, margin planning, open to buy, and inventory productivity measures. 
• Have proven analytical and communication abilities and you thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Have a positive attitude and look for opportunities to improve within your sphere of influence.
• Improved upon or developed next level processes, procedures and tools - you are optimization minded and have a background of problem solving and working with others to implement solutions.
• Can make timely decisions, anticipate problems and are able to provide creative solutions. 
• Good technical skills and at least intermediate level knowledge of the MS Office Suite.  Strong MS Excel skills required.

• Interact well with all levels of an organization from front line associates to the executive level.

• Well-organized and detail oriented. 

• Can effectively deal with ambiguity and a changing environment.

• Ability to perform work onsite in the Portland office full-time pending state, local, and Company return-to-work guidance.

Our Culture & Values 

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. 

People First 

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI 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

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, learning programs, and 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.

Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.