Inventory Planner, Food

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A generous discount on all WSI brands.

A 401(k) plan and other investment opp

Paid vacations, holidays, and time off

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is seeking an Inventory Planner to manage a department through the full product life cycle—from pre-season planning to monthly open-to-buy forecasting and inventory management.

You will use forecasting tools to optimize inventory flow, drive margin, and support top-line sales, while partnering cross-functionally with Merchants, Allocation, E-commerce, and Distribution to identify opportunities and maintain inventory targets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years planning and distribution experience.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, and MS Access.
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage a department through the entire product life cycle.
• Create pre-season plans.
• Present plans at investment review.
• Manage monthly open-to-buy forecasts to drive sales and margin.
• Manage inventory levels and turn targets.
• Forecast and review buys and replenishment by SKU to maintain optimum inventory flow.
• Utilize the new planning software to forecast sales and manage replenishment.
• Partner with the Inventory Distribution team to develop allocation strategies and with the E-commerce team on site merchandising opportunities.
• Identify potential inventory liabilities and take action to maintain inventory targets.
• Build a team relationship with Merchant counterparts and partner to develop financial merchandise plans by department.
• Identify opportunities to drive the top line.
• Analyze the business day-to-day through reading and reacting to trends, and communicate actions to take.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence purchases and assortment strategies.
• Be an integral partner with Visual, Store Operations, Sourcing, and the Distribution Centers.
• Act like an owner, being the expert on everything relating to the sales, inventory and margin of your department.

Skills

Excel

Word

Outlook

MS Access

Analytical

Communication

Tools

Forecasting tools

Job description

About the Team

The Inventory Management team maintains inventory levels across the fleet and the distribution center, handles sales and margin forecasting, and uses that information to project future inventory needs. Based on these forecasts, the team places new orders and reorders to ensure the right products are available for the customer.

About the Role

As an Inventory Planner, you will manage a department through the entire product life cycle—from pre‑season planning and investment reviews to monthly open‑to‑buy forecasting and inventory management. You will use forecasting tools to optimize inventory flow, drive margin, and support top‑line sales, while partnering cross‑functionally with Merchants, Allocation, E‑commerce, and Distribution to identify opportunities and maintain inventory targets. This role is within a high‑visibility category and offers strong exposure to leadership.

Location: onsite in our office Monday through Thursday; remote option on Friday.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage a department through the entire product life cycle.
• Create pre‑season plans.
• Present plans at investment review.
• Manage monthly open‑to‑buy forecasts to drive sales and margin.
• Manage inventory levels and turn targets.
• Forecast and review buys and replenishment by SKU to maintain optimum inventory flow.
• Utilize the new planning software to forecast sales and manage replenishment.
• Partner with the Inventory Distribution team to develop allocation strategies and with the E‑commerce team on site merchandising opportunities.
• Identify potential inventory liabilities and take action to maintain inventory targets.
• Build a team relationship with Merchant counterparts and partner to develop financial merchandise plans by department.
• Identify opportunities to drive the top line.
• Analyze the business day‑to‑day through reading and reacting to trends, and communicate actions to take.
• Develop and provide appropriate business analysis to influence purchases and assortment strategies.
• Be an integral partner with Visual, Store Operations, Sourcing, and the Distribution Centers.
• Act like an owner, being the expert on everything relating to the sales, inventory and margin of your department.

Criteria

• Minimum 2 years planning and distribution experience.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, and MS Access.
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Superior written, communication, presentation, and listening skills.

Competencies

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Hit sales/inventory targets.
• CREATE SOLUTIONS: Use data to optimize inventory.
• OWN IT: Take ownership of categories managed.

Benefits

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

Legal & EEO

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or sponsor an individual for this position. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $75,000‑$85,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. Compensation may include a variety of other components such as benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.