Manager, Inventory Management - Williams Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Health benefits

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is seeking a Manager in Inventory Management to lead financial and inventory planning across key categories, owning the open-to-buy process and aligning buy plans with merchandising strategies.

You will guide adoption of new inventory planning tools and supervise team performance, while collaborating cross-functionally to optimize inventory flow and distribution. The role requires onsite in the SF office Monday through Thursday with a remote option on Friday, offering

Qualifications

• 3+ years planning and inventory management experience.
• 5+ years related retail business experience.
• 1-2 years people management experience.
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and seasonal budgets and financial plans.
• Manage the monthly open-to-buy process and review forecasts with planners & merchants to take appropriate action.
• Recommend inventory strategies to maximize sales and profits.
• Oversee the development of buy plans based on merchandising strategies.
• Analyze business trends and identify risks and opportunities with recommended strategies to take as needed.
• Understand distribution center capacity and processing capabilities to ensure inventory is flowed appropriately.
• Review distribution and visual floor set strategies to support appropriate in-stock requirements.
• Hire, train, and develop a staff while providing direction, objectives, and appraisals.
• Communicate business strategies to team members.
• Determine and prioritize workload for staff and recommend effective processes and procedures to improve results.

Skills

Inventory planning

Forecasting

Open-to-buy

People management

Retail

Tools

Excel

Outlook

MS Access

Job description

About the Team

The Inventory Management team is responsible for maintaining inventory levels across the fleet and in the distribution center. They handle all sales and margin forecasting and use 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.

Job Description

As a Manager in Inventory Management, you will lead financial and inventory planning across key categories to support sales and margin goals. You will own the open-to-buy process, develop buy plans in alignment with merchandising strategies, and partner cross-functionally to optimize inventory flow and distribution. This role will also guide the successful adoption of new inventory planning tools and systems while overseeing team performance and strategic execution.

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

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and seasonal budgets and financial plans.
• Achieve sales, inventory and margin goals. Manage the monthly open-to-buy process and review forecasts with planners & merchants to take appropriate action.
• Recommend inventory strategies to maximize sales and profits.
• Oversee the development of buy plans based on merchandising strategies.
• Analyze business trends and identify risks and opportunities with recommended strategies to take as needed.
• Understand distribution center capacity and processing capabilities to ensure inventory is flowed appropriately.
• Review distribution and visual floor set strategies to support appropriate in-stock requirements.
• Hire, train, and develop a staff while providing direction, objectives, and appraisals.
• Communicate business strategies to team members.
• Determine and prioritize workload for staff and recommend effective processes and procedures to improve results.

Criteria

• 3+ years planning and inventory management experience.
• 5+ years related retail business experience.
• 1-2 years people management experience.
• Computer skills – Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, 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

• OWN IT: Set vision, hold team accountable, adapt leadership at enterprise level.
• ACHIEVE AS ONE TEAM: Lead cross-brand/function alignment.
• PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Champion talent, lead with coaching mindset.
• CREATE SOLUTIONS: Navigate ambiguity, drive large-scale improvements.
• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Commit to excellence, use data-driven decision-making at a strategic level.
• COMMUNICATE WITH CLARITY: Explain the “why” to executives and teams.

Our Culture & Values

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success, and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing.

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

Continued Learning

• 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

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 for employment 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 $120,000-$145,000. 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.

About Us

Founded in 1956, Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully‑designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick‑and‑mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we’re a multi‑brand, multi‑channel, global enterprise supported by state‑of‑the‑art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing – and we’re always looking for new energy and ideas.