Athleta Sr Director, Inventory Management, Head of Planning

Athleta; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading activewear brand in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Director, Head of Inventory Planning. In this role, you will optimize inventory strategies, drive financial performance, and lead a passionate team. The ideal candidate has over 12 years of experience in an omni-channel retail environment and a strong background in financial management and inventory optimization. This position offers competitive compensation and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

Benefits

50% merchandise discount

Competitive Paid Time Off

401(k) plan with company matching

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in merchandise/inventory planning or financial planning in retail.
• 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of retail math and forecasting methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive inventory and financial planning strategy.
• Lead a high-performing team to achieve financial goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Financial Management

Inventory Optimization

Data-driven Decision Making

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Finance

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

Planning Systems

Job description

About Athleta

For the past 25 years, we've committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls. Inspiration. Collaboration. Connection. Inclusivity. It's what we do best, and we're on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences.

We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp. Ready to make a move? Join us. Because we know that alone we're strong, but together we're unstoppable.

About the Role

As Senior Director, Head of Inventory Planning at Athleta, you will be at the helm of a high-impact team responsible for optimizing our largest financial investment-our product. In this key leadership role, you will own the strategy and execution of financial planning for the brand, partnering closely with cross-functional leaders to deliver customer-centric inventory strategies that drive both brand equity and financial performance.

You will lead the planning organization with a team of Directors and Managers who are passionate about aligning customer demand, brand storytelling, and financial rigor. Your leadership will shape how we show up for our customer-ensuring we achieve and exceed financial goals -while also advancing Athleta's mission and sustainability goals.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Own and drive the long-range inventory and financial planning strategy at Athleta, aligning product, brand, and customer strategies.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Merchandising, Design, Marketing, and Finance leadership teams, influencing top-line growth and bottom-line efficiency.
• Shape the future of Inventory Management at Athleta through innovative tools, data-driven forecasting, and customer-first planning philosophies.

Team Development

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team, including Directors, Managers, Planners and Analysts, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven culture.
• Champion inclusion and development, ensuring team members are empowered, supported, and prepared for future leadership.
• Drive organizational excellence by aligning structure, skills, and capabilities with Athleta's evolving business needs.

Financial Management

• Ensure achievement of key financial goals across sales, margin, GMROI, and inventory turns through agile planning and proactive business management.
• Identify risks and opportunities and develop strategic actions to deliver/exceed financial targets across seasonal and long-range plans.
• Lead scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to support agile business decisions in a dynamic, purpose-driven retail environment.

Cross-Functional Influence

• Collaborate across cross-functional teams to synchronize end-to-end strategies.
• Drive alignment on inventory strategies that support brand storytelling, seasonal marketing initiatives, and in-store/omni-channel execution.
• Serve as the Inventory Management voice in executive meetings, presenting clear, compelling plans and performance narratives.

Who You Are

• 12+ years of experience in merchandise/inventory planning or financial planning in an omni-channel retail environment, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of retail math, inventory optimization, and forecasting methodologies, ideally in performance or activewear categories.
• Proven ability to lead and develop large teams in a purpose- and performance-driven culture.
• Demonstrated success in shaping inventory strategy and delivering against ambitious financial and brand goals.
• Strong Excel and planning system capabilities; aptitude for process and systems innovation.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred.
• A strategic thinker with a passion for movement, community, and purpose.
• A builder of inclusive, high-performing teams that thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• A collaborative leader who can align cross-functional partners around a shared vision and inspire action.
• A sharp storyteller who can translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• A customer advocate who places Athleta's mission and guest at the center of planning decisions.

Benefits at Athleta

• Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.
• One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*
• Employees can take up to five 'on the clock' hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*
• Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee's base pay.*
• Employee stock purchase plan.*
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*
• See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees

Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.

Salary Range: $186,900 - $257,000 USD

Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.