Inventory Planner

Inventory PlannerAt Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you're part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand — you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do. We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you're starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead and help create feel good moments every day. The Planner, Inventory is responsible for buying finished goods to support achieving the merchandise plan and assortment strategy for an assigned book of business. Collaborates with the Merchandise Planner to ensure that inventory is bought to constraints and targets that are aligned with the business strategy. Ensures optimum inventory levels to enhance sales and margins and to achieve targeted levels of inventory productivity, in support of overall product and company profitability. Collaborates with the Managers, Merchandise Planning on the positioning of themes and pre-season planning, with the Production team on new orders and with Logistics on product flow. This position reports to the Manager, Inventory Deployment.Responsibilities Pre-Season • Based on the approved merchandise plan, formulate an inventory ownership plan, and suggested production flow to support business strategy. • Conduct and confirm purchase parameters for each vendor/distribution center, e.g. lead time, order frequency, etc. • Incorporate purchase parameters (order quantity, frequency, supply chain capacities) into an inventory receipt plan that meets sales, margin, and inventory objectives. • Collaborate with Production/Sourcing on suggested and approved order quantities for finished goods. • Where necessary, lead component tracking and place orders to support finished good buys. • Work with Logistics to resolve external constraints that impact inventory flow to distribution centers and stores. • Collaborate with the Merchandise Planner to prioritize flow of product in light of constraints. • In support of the sales plan, collaborate with Merchandising on MPQ/placement expectations at time of buys/based on recommended buys, while enhancing pre-sale sell-through. • Set strategies/parameters to achieve targeted service levels for Vendors, DCs and Stores. • Partner with Merchandise Planning to position long-term themes and proactively plan the season; a seasonal view. In-Season • Taking updated demand plans into consideration, propose revised orders to capture in-season trend adjustments. • Problem-solve with cross-functional partners to resolve inventory issues and proactively address constraints. • Identify system inputs from cross-functional partners impacting inventory fulfillment that require further updates to optimize flow. • Identify and address future inventory issues to reduce impact to the business, based on a time-phased plan. Reporting/Analytics • Develop reporting to support in-season and season-end hind-sighting. • Analyze past performance to find opportunities and create corrective action for improving inventory management performance. Integration Points • Partner cross-functionally with across the business with Merchandising, Merchandise Planning, Logistics, Distribution Centers, Space Planning, and Sourcing to ensure inventory planning goals/objectives are achieved.Qualifications • Three to five (3-5) years of inventory management, replenishment, or allocation experience. • Experience in large volume, multi-location distribution environment or similar; MRP experience in multi-plant manufacturing environment preferred. • Retail supply chain knowledge. • Leadership and team-building skills. Ability to direct day-to-day activities. • Strong communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills; working with multiple partners to resolve exceptions and conclude the best alternatives. • Identifies and influences critical partners. • Demonstrates an optimization mentality; designs and develops plans to optimize decisions. • Exemplifies problem-solving skills and proactively recommends solutions to various partners; makes decisions with limited information. • Exhibits analytical skills and has the ability to analyze and understand quantitative data. • Strong software skills; proven ability to learn and apply new software technology. Systems used: Manugistics, SAP, Microstrategy. • Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with building tools/reporting. • Experience with planning and order systems. • Understands and completes business strategy and objectives. • Strong prioritization skills. Education • Bachelor's degree in business, finance, statistics, operations, supply chain, or a relevant field required.Benefits Feeling good starts with you. We invest in benefits that support your well-being, growth and future, helping you thrive as a creator of feel good — every day. Benefits for eligible associates include: Robust medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office. No-cost mental health and well-being support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 401(k) with company match and Associate Stock Purchase Program with discount. Opportunity for paid time off, paid parental leave and access to family building benefits. Home, auto and pet insurance and a company-provided Care.com subscription. Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education. Enjoy complimentary products and a 40% merchandise discount so you can experience and share the brand you love. Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.Primary Location: United States-Ohio-ReynoldsburgWork Locations: Home Office Dc7 - Bbw Seven Limited Parkway Reynoldsburg 43068