Senior Manager, Planning Transformation & Inventory Strategy

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Senior Manager, Planning Transformation & Inventory Strategy to lead forecasting, inventory planning, and business analytics initiatives. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of operations, finance, and merchandising - acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and orchestrating the evolution of our planning capabilities in an increasingly digital landscape.

In this role, you will oversee executive-level planning deliverables, lead a high-performing analytics team, champion digital transformation initiatives, and drive the integration of AI/ML capabilities into our planning processes.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

• Lead Demand and Inventory Fulfilment Planning within the S&OP process across departments, integrating data driven drivers and business insights into cohesive business strategies
• Develop rolling forecasts (weekly, monthly, quarterly) using advanced statistical methods and AI/ML models to achieve >85% forecast accuracy
• Design scenario planning frameworks for supply chain disruptions, incorporating risk assessments and mitigation strategies
• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, finance, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to align business plans with revenue targets and margin goals
• Lead inventory optimization strategies balancing service levels with working capital efficiency across our global distribution network
• Manage seasonal collection planning and limited edition releases unique to luxury markets
  
  

Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence

• Translate complex data into executive-ready insights, delivering strategic recommendations to C-suite leadership
• Build and maintain real-time dashboards tracking KPIs across sales performance, inventory health, forecast accuracy, and operational metrics
• Implement predictive analytics for demand sensing, customer behavior modeling, and trend identification
• Lead competitive intelligence analysis and market trend monitoring to inform strategic planning
• Develop pricing and promotional effectiveness models in collaboration with commercial teams
• Champion data governance standards and ensure data quality across planning systems
  
  

Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership

• Drive AI/ML integration into planning processes, serving as orchestrator of human-AI collaborative workflows
• Lead technology selection and implementation projects for planning systems (SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder)
• Partner with IT and Engineering teams to automate reporting and scale data infrastructure (Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI)
• Champion transition from manual Excel-based processes to integrated, cloud-based planning platforms
• Develop and monitor AI model performance, ensuring continuous improvement and value realization
• Build organizational capabilities in digital tools and advanced analytics methodologies
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary planning liaison to executive leadership, presenting monthly business reviews and strategic recommendations
• Consolidate inputs from planning, merchandising, finance, and operations into unified strategic narratives
• Facilitate weekly S&OP meetings and monthly integrated business planning sessions
• Manage relationships with key technology vendors and external partners
• Drive change management initiatives supporting digital transformation and process optimization
  
  

Team Development & Organizational Capability Building

• Lead and develop a team of 2-3 professionals including demand planners, supply planners, business analysts, and data scientists
• Set clear OKRs, drive execution of high-impact projects, and foster culture of continuous learning
• Develop team capabilities in AI/ML tools, statistical modeling, and advanced planning methodologies
• Support career development through mentoring, cross-training, and stretch assignments
• Build succession planning pipeline for critical planning roles
  
  

Risk Management & Business Continuity

• Develop multi-scenario contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
• Lead crisis response planning and execution during disruptions
• Implement early warning systems for demand volatility and supply constraints
  
  

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy through emerging technologies
• Lead lean/six sigma initiatives improving planning cycle time by 20-30%
• Deploy strategic evolution of KPIs and performance management frameworks
• Champion best practice sharing across regional teams and business units

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, or Analytics
• 5+ years experience in operations planning, supply chain analytics, demand planning, or related functions
• 3 years in leadership roles with direct report management experience
• Proven experience in luxury goods, premium consumer brands, or high-end retail preferred
• Demonstrated success in S&OP process leadership and cross-functional program management
• Track record of digital transformation initiatives and technology implementations
• MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) strongly preferred
• Additional certifications in data science, project management (PMP), or Lean Six Sigma valued
  
  

Technical Competencies

• Advanced Excel modeling including VBA, complex formulas, and large dataset manipulation
• Statistical software proficiency: R, Python, or SAS for predictive modeling preferred
• BI/Visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar platforms
• Planning systems: Experience with SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder, or similar
• Database skills: experience with SQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar preferred
• AI/ML understanding: Familiarity with machine learning concepts and applications in planning
• ERP systems: SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise systems
  
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to connect operational metrics to business outcomes
• Executive communication skills with experience presenting to C-suite stakeholders
• Change leadership driving transformation in complex, matrixed organizations
• Analytical problem-solving using data-driven approaches to complex challenges
• Cross-cultural competency for global team collaboration
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to navigate shifting priorities
• Customer-centric mindset understanding luxury consumer expectations

Benefits

At Blue Nile, many of our roles offer a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, retirement planning and opportunities for career advancement. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, employment type, work schedule or location:

• Hybrid Work Environment
• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Account | Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Shape the future of operations for an iconic luxury brand at the intersection of heritage and innovation

• Growth: Clear career progression path to Director and VP-level roles with succession planning support
• Innovation: Lead cutting-edge AI/ML integration in a well-resourced environment
• Culture: Collaborate with world-class talent in a diverse, inclusive environment valuing creativity and excellence
• Location: Work in the heart of New York City with flexible hybrid arrangements
• Compensation: Competitive base salary ($) plus % bonus potential
  
  

Annual base pay: $145,000 - $160,000. Final pay rate shall be determined and is based on experience and qualifications.

At this time, R2Net will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Additional Information: R2NET INC. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. R2NET INC. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. #LI-WK1