Inventory Planner

Inventory Planner

At Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. We focus on recruiting, retaining, and advancing top talent. In addition, we work to improve our communities and our planet to help the world live more fully. 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.

Core Competencies

• Lead with Curiosity & Humility
• Build High Performing Teams for Today & Tomorrow
• Influence & Inspire with Vision & Purpose
• Observe, Engage & Connect
• Strive to Achieve Operational Excellence
• Deliver Business Results

Benefits

Bath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That's why we're proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter. Benefits for eligible associates include: Robust medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office. 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase with discount No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Opportunity for paid time off and paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including a family building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto and pet insurance. Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs 40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses! Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.