Manager, Inventory Management - Williams Sonoma

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. **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** 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. **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 an…