Distribution Planner, Furniture - West Elm

West Elm; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employee discount

401(k) plan

Paid vacations and holidays

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Commuter benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

West Elm is seeking a Distribution Planner to manage allocation functions and processes to maintain store inventory levels. You will allocate inventory from Distribution Center to stores and report to the Manager of Distribution.

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday. Responsibilities include optimizing allocation systems, maintaining in‑stock service levels, and setting up system parameters and safety stock.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of retail planning and distribution experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field.
• Strong Excel, Word, and Access skills.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of project management.

Responsibilities

• Utilize and control the store allocation systems.
• Ensure stores maintain appropriate in‑stock, service levels, and weeks on hand objectives.
• Set up system parameters, profiles and safety stocks to achieve in‑stock goals.
• Set‑up and maintain the allocation system for timely processing of merchandise.
• Plan and execute allocations to support floor sets and store needs.
• Support specialized store assortments and variations.
• Resolve allocation issues as needed.
• Handle special projects, analysis, and report assignments.

Skills

Retail planning

Distribution planning

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Word

Access

Job description

About the Team

The Distribution Team is responsible for managing the movement of goods from suppliers or warehouses to retail locations, customers, or other distribution centers. Their core focus is to ensure that the right products are delivered to the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition.

About the Role

The Distribution Planner will manage the allocation functions, systems, and processes necessary to maintain appropriate store inventory levels. Allocation of inventory from Distribution Center to stores via current system. Reports to the Manager of Distribution.

Onsite Requirement

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, with a remote option on Friday.

Responsibilities

• Utilize and control the store allocation systems
• Ensure stores maintain appropriate in‑stock, service levels, and weeks on hand objectives
• Set up appropriate system parameters, profiles, safety stocks, display minimums, etc., to achieve store/item in‑stock goals and objectives. Manage allocation system to rate of sale
• Set‑up and maintain the allocation system to ensure timely processing of new, current, and discontinued merchandise
• Plan and execute allocations to support visual floor sets and perimeter or bay requirements by store group
• Support specialized store assortments (warm‑weather, flagship, bay variations, special purchase or store needs)
• Resolve allocation issues as needed
• Special projects, analysis, and report assignments as needed

Requirements

• 2+ years retail planning and distribution experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field (or an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience may be considered)
• Superior computer skills including business applications such as MS Windows and MS Office, including Excel, Word, and Access
• Knowledge of theory and principles of project management

Competencies

• Drive for results: Ensure distribution plans meet timing and inventory flow targets.
• Create solutions: Use analysis to improve distribution efficiency.
• Own it: Own distribution planning for assigned departments.
• Communicate with clarity: Provide clear updates to partners and team.

Culture & Values

We prioritize connection, growth, and well‑being. We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing quality of work, contributions, and leadership.

Benefits

• Generous discount on all WSI brands
• 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
• Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including same‑sex domestic partner benefits
• Tax‑free commuter benefits
• Wellness program that supports physical, financial, and emotional health

Learning & Development

• In‑person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
• Cross‑brand and cross‑function career opportunities
• Resources for self‑development
• Advisor (Mentor) program
• Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series

Legal and Pay Information

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or sponsor an individual for this position (for example, H‑1B or other employment‑based immigration). This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances. The expected starting pay range for this position is $75,000‑$85,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.