Senior Manager, Retail Planning & Business Operations

Senior Manager, Retail Planning & Business Operations

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That's why we're driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation. Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:

• Runner First We act in the best interest of the runner
• Word is Bond We do what we say we'll do
• Champion Heart We give our all in everything we do
• There is no 'I' in Run We stay generous with our humanity
• Keep Moving We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement - because we're all moving towards something. Let's run there.

Your Job:

As the Senior Manager, Retail Planning & Business Operations at Brooks, you will be the retail systems architect – ensuring stores have the right product, tools, and processes to deliver exceptional customer experiences. This role oversees critical functions including sales analysis, reporting, product assortment, buying, IT systems, and program management, ensuring alignment with Brooks' strategic objectives. You will lead a team and serve as the operational infrastructure for retail growth initiatives.

Your Responsibilities:

• Analytics & Reporting
  • Own sales analysis and reporting for all retail locations, delivering actionable insights to leadership.
  • Prepare and present Monthly Business Reviews (MBR), highlighting performance trends and opportunities.
  • Develop dashboards and KPIs (key performance indicators) to monitor store performance, customer experience, and profitability to ensure stores are on track to meet their goals.
  • Review findings with retail leaders and store managers to celebrate the wins, understand where improvements can be made, and discuss solutions, developing a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Provide data and analysis to inform demand forecasting, planning, and performance measurements.
• Forecasting, Product Planning, & Buying
  • Lead assortment planning, seasonal, lifestyle, and MRA buy planning for a network of retail stores.
  • Manage hard and bulk order creation and submission in alignment with inventory and sales forecasts.
  • Collaborate with Merchandising and Finance to develop a comprehensive strategy that optimizes product mix and margin performance.
  • Lead sales and product forecasting processes to support inventory and financial planning.
  • Align forecasts with promotional calendars and seasonal trends to anticipate opportunities for the business and maximize sell-through.
• Systems & Technology
  • Serve as owner and liaison for the retail tech roadmap and in-store technology, including POS software and omnichannel integrations.
  • Partner with IT and external agencies to ensure seamless system functionality and upgrades.
  • Drive adoption of retail technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Program Management
  • Oversee retail programs and initiatives, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Manage cross-functional projects involving Marketing, Merchandising, and Supply Chain teams.
  • Lead new store openings requiring cross-functional partnership and support across multiple departments: IT, Marketing, HR, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Product, Facilities, etc.
  • Develop a new store opening process and project plan that is easily repeatable for future retail expansion plans.
  • Facilitate community outreach programming across retail portfolio, collaborating with the Event Marketing and Community Impact teams to help drive traffic into stores to achieve budgeted sales.
• Leadership
  • Manage and develop a team including a Program Manager, Buyer, and Analyst, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
  • Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred
• 10+ years of experience in retail operations, buying, or business management
• 5+ years of management and/or leadership experience preferred
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, BI tools, and retail planning systems
• Experience with POS systems, omnichannel integrations, and retail technology management
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with proven ability to manage complex projects that span multiple teams
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and identify solutions to problems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust
• Excellent leadership skills, both within direct team and cross-functionally among partners and peers
• Overall competency in retail systems and technology management, sales analysis and reporting, assortment planning and buying, program management and cross-functional leadership, financial acumen and strategic thinking, team leadership and development
• Passion for performance running and familiarity with premium footwear and apparel is preferred
• Able to travel to stores and events nationwide (estimated 10%)
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values!

Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $134,295 - $214,894 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Other:

Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families! Benefits - Including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.

Paid Time Off - Brooks offers generous time off, including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.

Bonus - In addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.

Perks - Including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.

Location - You will spend 4 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.

At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.