Inventory Planner

Inventory Planner

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

As an Inventory Planner, you play a key role in ensuring our customers can find what they love—where and when they need it. This role sits at the center of how product moves through our stores and digital fulfillment network, helping to create a seamless experience across every channel.

You'll own inventory planning for an assigned category, using data, trends, and close partnership with cross-functional teams to make smart decisions that drive in-stock performance and support sales. From shaping inventory strategies to adjusting plans in real time, your work will have a direct and visible impact across the business.

Inventory Planning & Strategy

• Develop detailed, bottom-up inventory plans across stores and digital fulfillment centers
• Align inventory with assortment strategies, financial goals, and customer demand patterns
• Consider operational factors such as capacity and fulfillment constraints

Forecasting & In-Season Management

• Reforecast inventory needs by location using real-time sales data and inventory availability
• Adjust plans to respond to changing demand and maximize in-stock performance

Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze performance to identify risks and opportunities
• Turn data into insights that inform inventory decisions and improve results
• Make recommendations to support sales growth and inventory efficiency

Reporting & Tools

• Build and maintain reporting to track inventory performance and support decision-making
• Use data to provide visibility into trends and opportunities across the business

Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner closely with merchandising, planning, allocation, stores, and supply chain teams
• Gather insights from field leaders to understand local demand drivers
• Share insights and recommendations to influence inventory decisions

Execution & Alignment

• Support allocation strategies to meet inventory targets
• Identify gaps or opportunities early and collaborate on solutions

What You'll Need

Experience & Education

• 5+ years of experience in forecasting, analytics, or related fields
• 2–3 years of experience in planning
• Bachelor's degree in Business or equivalent experience

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights
• Understanding of inventory planning and optimization in a customer-focused retail environment
• Advanced Excel skills required; experience with allocation systems is a plus

Collaboration & Communication

• Ability to clearly communicate ideas and recommendations to a variety of partners
• Experience working cross-functionally and building strong relationships
• Comfortable influencing decisions and aligning teams

Ways of Working

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution

Perks and Benefits You'll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.