Inventory Planner

Who we areWest Elm was born in Brooklyn and has helped customers express their personal style at home since 2002. Our home base is in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, above our flagship store. We are a dynamic, fast-paced brand with an exciting growth strategy. We value imagination, diversity and giving people the opportunity to explore, grow and shape our future. We look for innovative, smart and hard-working individuals who enjoy creative thinking and ingenuity. Help us carry out our mission of being a source of inspiration to our customers, creating a global community and tirelessly seeking ways to evolve our brand.The Planning organization is responsible for the strategic planning of inventory positions to drive sales, manage inventory turn, and deliver profit objectives. Inventory leaders are innovators, optimizers and problem solvers who are constantly seeking opportunities to move the business forward. We seek a candidate who loves using data to tell the story and a team player who goes above and beyond. The successful candidate will be curious, motivated and will think outside the box, challenging the status quo. This role requires being onsite in our Brooklyn office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.Essential FunctionsPlan and manage a department through the entire product life cyclePartner with Merchants to create pre-season, item-level sales plans that align with the product rankings, merchandising strategies, and tops-down financial goalsPresent plans at investment reviewManage monthly open to buy forecasts to drive sales and marginManage inventory levels and turn targetsForecast and review buys and replenishment by SKU to maintain optimal inventory flowUtilize planning software to forecast sales and manage replenishmentPartner with the Inventory Distribution team to develop allocation strategies and with E-commerce team on site merchandising opportunitiesIdentify potential inventory liabilities and take action to maintain inventory targetsDetermine item level order quantities and flow strategies and partner with the Supply Chain Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate execution of purchase ordersDetermine markdown and end-of-life disposition strategy for non-go forward productKey in this roleBuild a relationship with Merchant counterparts and partner to develop financial merchandise plans by departmentIdentify opportunities to drive the top lineThe ability to analyze the business day to day through reading and reacting to trends, and communicate actions to takeDevelop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence purchases and assortment strategiesBe an integral partner with Visual, Store Operations, Sourcing, and the Distributions CentersAct like an owner, being the expert on everything relating to the sales, inventory and margin of your departmentYouHave a desire and willingness to work collaboratively in a groupHave an innate willingness to dig in and contribute with your teamAre driven and motivated by the possibilities aheadAre a true business owner, comfortable with decision making and taking calculated risk for the benefit of your businessThink innovation is critical in a business environment and support others in creative thinkingPride yourself on the quality of work and are a stickler for the detailsNaturally challenge yourself and others to growQualificationsMinimum 2 years of experience in inventory management in retailStrong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skillsExperience with open-to-buy forecastingAbility to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environmentSuperior written, communication, presentation, and listening skillsOur Culture & ValuesWe 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. Our associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, so they can do their best and achieve their personal and professional goals. We make inclusiveness a cornerstone of our culture by welcoming associates with diverse cultures and backgrounds and celebrating them, together. We nurture an open, inclusive environment for all. Our differences, whatever they may be—are valued, explored, and appreciated. Together, we're creating a more just and inclusive company culture where the only criteria for advancement are:The quality of our workThe contributions we make to our teams and the businessOur ability to lead and connectWe firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.People FirstPutting 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:BenefitsA generous discount on all WSI brandsA 401(k) plan and other investment opportunitiesPaid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteerHealth benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefitsTax-free commuter benefitsA wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional healthContinued LearningIn-person and online learning opportunities through WSI UniversityCross-brand and cross-function career opportunitiesResources for self-developmentAdvisor (Mentor) programCareer development workshops, learning programs, and speaker seriesWSI 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 range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000 annually. 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.LI-LLLI-OnsiteJ-18808-Ljbffr