Sr Inventory Planner - Williams Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is seeking an Inventory Management professional grounded in retail planning and buying to lead projections and purchasing for key categories.

This role will mentor one or more Control Buyers and influence annual and seasonal financial and assortment plans. Onsite Monday through Thursday with a remote option on Friday, the position emphasizes data-driven decisions, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, DCs, and Call Center to optimize

Qualifications

• 3–5 years retail planning, buying or related experience.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and MS Access.
• Strong business acumen and financial analysis skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong prioritization and deadline management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with managers, merchants to determine annual and seasonal concept sales projections and inventory strategies.
• Maintain and update sales data for item-level projections.
• Oversee disposition of overstocks and aged inventory; manage sell-offs.
• Review vendor buy plans, backorders and overstock; monitor in-stock lists and priority receiving lists.
• Lead projects to improve systems and procedures and participate in policy decisions.
• Travel to DC to monitor inventory and resolve issues; build relationships.
• Travel to Call Center to understand customer service issues.
• Lead or participate in department projects and manage staff workload.

Skills

Retail planning

Buying/purchasing

Financial analysis

Communication

Tools

Excel

Word

MS 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.

About the Role

This position is responsible for projections and purchasing for areas of responsibility. They will manage one or more Control Buyers in the execution of their job. Troubleshoot problems and issues for department. Provide input and recommendations to Merchandising on annual and seasonal financial plans and assortment plans. Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems or efficiencies. Participate in overall department policy and staffing management decisions.

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

Responsibilities

• Work jointly with Manager, peers and merchants to determine annual and seasonal concept sales projections and inventory strategies.
• Maintain and update sales data in forecasting system to ensure accuracy of item level projections.
• Direct the disposition process of overstocks and aged inventory (spif, sale book, outlet).
• Review and approve vendor buy plans, backorders and overstock, alert reports, in-stock list and priority receiving list.
• Communicate major flow changes to manager for budget (OTB) maintenance. Recommend changes to catalog depiction strategy.
• Travel to DC to monitor inventory and resolve issues and build relationships.
• Travel to Call Center to understand customer service issues.
• Lead or participate in department projects to improve systems and procedures.
• Manage and lead meetings.
• Participate in Catalog-Proof Review Process (photo, layout, copy).
• Determine workload for staff.
• Provide specific input on sales and inventory levels for Open to Buy and key meetings.
• People development: hire, manage, train, coach, appraise and develop.

Criteria

• 3-5 years retail experience (planning, buying, purchasing) or related 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

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

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.

People First

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

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 $95,000-$105,000. 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.