Inventory Planning Manager

Job description:Position SummaryThe Inventory & Planning Manager owns the full lifecycle of inventory strategy and product operations across all channels including E-Commerce, Wholesale, and Dropship.This role is responsible for inventory forecasting, open-to-buy planning, channel allocation, margin protection, and product data integrity, while also ensuring the operational execution of inventory processes including product setup, launch readiness, QC tracking, and inventory accuracy.The Inventory & Planning Manager serves as the central operational bridge between Product Development, Marketing, Warehouse Operations, and Leadership, ensuring inventory decisions support both revenue growth and operational efficiency.This role combines financial inventory planning with hands-on operational oversight of product and inventory systems.Core Responsibilities: Inventory Forecasting & Financial Planning*If you have a strong background in financial planning and not as much in inventory we still encourage you to apply.Build and maintain the company's Open-to-Buy (OTB) inventory modelForecast demand by:SKUStyleSizeChannel (DTC, Wholesale, Dropship)Analyze:Sell-through trendsWeeks of supplyReorder timingHistorical product performanceProvide leadership with buy recommendations for each season and ensure inventory investments align with revenue targets and cash flow goals.Monitor aged inventory and recommend markdown, liquidation, or promotional strategies when needed.Channel Allocation StrategyDetermine and manage inventory allocation across:Shopify (DTC)Wholesale accountsDropship platformsContinuously adjust allocations based on performance data to:Prevent stockoutsAvoid oversellingProtect wholesale relationshipsMaximize sell-through across channelsProduct & Inventory Operations ManagementOwn the operational execution of inventory and product data across all platforms.Responsibilities include:Product SKU setup and maintenanceShopify product creation and inventory mappingExternal platform product data accuracyManaging product variants and SKU architectureSupporting combined listings where applicableEnsuring upsell and cross-sell configurations are correctMaintaining product and inventory data integrityThis role ensures all product information flows accurately from development through launch across every channel.Launch Readiness & Product Lifecycle SupportOversee the operational readiness of product launches including:Product setup in Shopify and external platformsInventory readiness and SKU accuracyPre-launch inventory verificationAlignment with marketing launch calendarsCoordination with warehouse for product availabilityEnsure product launches are operationally prepared and inventory systems are fully aligned before go-live.Inventory Accuracy & Quality Control OversightOversee the processes that ensure accurate inventory and product quality.Responsibilities include:Monitoring inventory discrepancy resolutionReviewing QC defect logs and trendsCoordinating structured inventory countsEnsuring inventory adjustments are documented and resolvedSupporting warehouse during scheduled high-volume periods when neededThe role ensures inventory systems reflect true physical inventory and product quality insights.Production & Buy Planning SupportPartner with founders and product development leadership on seasonal production planning.Responsibilities include:Reviewing historical performance prior to placing production ordersModeling reorder timingIdentifying product risk or overexposure earlySupporting buy decisions with financial modeling and performance dataInventory Reporting & Leadership InsightsDevelop and present a weekly inventory health dashboard to leadership.Reporting includes:Inventory turnsSell-through ratesForecast varianceChannel allocation performanceOpen-to-buy availabilityAged inventory exposureInventory tied-up cash analysisProvide leadership with clear visibility into inventory performance and risk exposure.Cross-Functional CollaborationThis role works closely with:Product DevelopmentSKU architectureproduct lifecycle planningMarketingProduct launch timingpromotional strategyShopify product presentationWarehouse OperationsInventory accuracyshipment readinesscount verificationLeadershipBuy planningfinancial inventory strategymargin protectionKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Forecast variance %Inventory turn rateStockout rateAged inventory %Open-to-buy accuracyLaunch readiness accuracyInventory discrepancy resolution timeChannel allocation accuracyGross margin protectionCash tied up in inventoryRequired Skills & ExperienceCollege DegreeStrong inventory planning or merchandise planning experience 1-3 yearsAdvanced Excel / spreadsheet modelingOpen-to-Buy planning experienceRetail or e-commerce inventory planning backgroundShopify product management experienceUnderstanding of SKU architecture and variant structuresStrong operational organization and attention to detailAbility to analyze data and translate insights into decisionsClear communication with leadership teamsExperience coordinating cross-department operations